During a meeting with Saudi Minister for Commerce Majid al Kasabi on the sidelines of the World Economy Forum’s special meeting in Riyadh, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said that economic ties between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia had entered a “new era.” According to the Saudi minister, Pakistan is Saudi Arabia’s priority for investment and trade as per the directives of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The Saudi minister also outlined plans to elevate bilateral economic and trade relations in the next year or so.
During the meeting, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif underscored the instrumental role played by the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) in promoting foreign investment and facilitating investors. This proactive approach was well-received by the Saudi minister, who announced an upcoming visit by a delegation from the Saudi business community to Pakistan. The minister also acknowledged the significant contributions of Pakistani expatriates to the kingdom’s development and prosperity.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s meeting with Bill Gates, the Founder and Co-chair of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF), was a platform to express gratitude for the foundation’s support in the fight against polio. The Prime Minister also emphasized the pivotal role of the foundation as a trusted ally in Pakistan’s socio-economic advancement. Looking to the future, the premier expressed eagerness for expanded collaboration in areas such as IT, science education, and disaster management, underscoring the potential for further positive impact.
During the discussion, Gates commended the immunization and anti-polio initiatives spearheaded by Shehbaz during his tenure as chief minister of Punjab. He emphasized the importance of replicating successful practices nationwide to ensure the effectiveness of immunization programs. The co-chair also affirmed that polio eradication is essential to safeguard future generations from the debilitating effects of the disease.
PM Shehbaz Sharif landed in Saudi Arabia on Saturday to attend the unique Global Collaboration, Growth, and Energy meeting held from April 28 to 29. The diplomatic talks focus on trade and investment measures, new investment frameworks, restructuring of supply chains, sustainable growth, and the energy landscape. On the first day of the talks, the leadership and investors of Saudi Arabia e
