KARACHI: As a high-level Saudi trade delegation arrived on Monday, Privatisation Minister Abdul Aleem Khan has asked the business community and investors to take measures, especially in view of Pak-Saudi investment and export agreements.

While presiding over an important meeting of the business community and investors at Sindh Governor House, he said an increase in exports was imperative for enhancing foreign reserves and stabilising the national economy.

He urged the private sector to explore new opportunities in different fields. “We have to further expand by investing in export sectors, which will ultimately create more jobs.” He urged the private sector to find new opportunities to invest domestically and abroad, and the government would provide all necessary facilities in this regard.

Welcoming the arrival of the Saudi business delegation, he hoped that the private sector would take full advantage of this opportunity, which would also boost trade between the two countries.

The Saudi delegation led by Foreign Minister Prince Faisal Bin Farhan Al Saud arrived on Monday night for a two-day visit after a recent meeting between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman in which the two agreed to expedite the planned $5 billion Saudi investment package for Pakistan.

Commerce Secretary Saleh Farooqui briefed the meeting on the present export situation. He said there was a broad scope in agriculture, textiles, information technology, pharmaceuticals, mobiles, sports equipment, minerals and other sectors.

Business people, investors and business community leaders attended the meeting, besides Trade Development Authority of Pakistan Chief Executive Zubair Motiwala.

Published in Dawn, April 16th, 2024