Saudi owned Albaik confirms expansion into Pakistan as both nations aim to boost trade and investment ties during several high-profile meetings took place in Jeddah.
Pakistan’s Federal Minister for Commerce, Jam Kamal Khan, held several high-profile meetings in Jeddah, aiming to boost trade and investment ties between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.
These discussions took place during the first-ever “Made in Pakistan” exhibition and focused on business collaborations, investment prospects, and Saudi brands entering the Pakistani market. In a key meeting with leading Saudi businessmen, the Minister invited them to invest in Pakistan’s energy, agriculture, IT, healthcare, infrastructure, and consumer goods sectors. He highlighted Pakistan’s 22% export growth to Saudi Arabia, reaching $700 million, and assured Saudi investors of a favorable business environment with tax exemptions, investor protection laws, and access to a vast 240-million-strong consumer market.
Saudi business leaders expressed strong interest in partnering with Pakistani counterparts, particularly in construction materials, textiles, and the food industry. Several proposals were discussed to strengthen trade and industrial investment, with the Minister inviting Saudi investors to visit Pakistan and participate in trade expos such as TEXPO, Food-AG, and the Healthcare & Mineral Show.
The meetings also covered Pakistan’s efforts to simplify trade, including initiatives like Pakistan Single Window (PSW) and the National Compliance Centre, which aim to streamline regulations and improve export standards. A key highlight was the Minister’s meeting with Rami Abu Ghazala, the owner of Albaik, where he was given a tour of the company’s operations and met Pakistani employees working at the fast-food chain.
Albaik Expansion
During discussions, Albaik confirmed its expansion into Pakistan, stating that the process is in its final stages following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). The first Albaik outlets in Pakistan are expected to launch soon, creating new jobs and strengthening economic ties between the two countries. The Minister praised the contributions of Pakistani workers in Saudi businesses and welcomed Albaik’s entry into Pakistan, emphasizing its potential to enhance the local fast-food market.
In another key meeting, the Minister engaged with Pakistani investors and business leaders based in Jeddah, recognizing their long-standing contributions to Saudi Arabia’s economy. He noted that 1.7 million Pakistanis have traveled to Saudi Arabia in the past five years, making it the top destination for Pakistani emigrants. Additionally, he highlighted the $7.4 billion in remittances sent from Saudi Arabia last fiscal year, underscoring the strong financial ties between the two nations.
The Minister also acknowledged the role of the recently established Pakistan Investor Forum in Jeddah, which supports new businesses and strengthens Pakistan-Saudi trade collaborations. He encouraged Pakistani investors to take advantage of the Revised Visa Policy, which grants GCC citizens visa-free entry to Pakistan for up to 90 days, facilitating business travel.
Minister Jam Kamal Khan’s engagements in Jeddah reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to expanding trade relations with Saudi Arabia. From growing Saudi confidence in Pakistan’s economy to Albaik’s upcoming expansion, the visit marked a significant step forward in deepening economic and trade ties. With increasing Saudi interest in Pakistani industries, rising trade volumes, and new business partnerships, the Pakistan-Saudi economic corridor is set to expand, unlocking new opportunities for both nations.
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