Strengthening Ties After Defence Agreement
Pakistan and Saudi Arabia boost trade after defence pact signed on September 17 in Riyadh. The two nations are now preparing for a major Saudi business delegation’s visit to Pakistan next month. The Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) is coordinating the visit as part of a broader strategy to expand trade and investment ties.
From Defence to Trade
The defence pact, inked by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, reinforced decades of security cooperation. It also came just a week after Israel’s strikes on Qatar unsettled the region. With security ties reaffirmed, the focus is shifting toward economic and trade collaboration.
Saudi Desk at LCCI
Ahead of the delegation’s arrival, senior Saudi officials met with Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) President Mian Abu Zar Shad. At this meeting, Saudi Commercial Attaché Naif bin Abdulaziz Al-Harbi announced the creation of a Saudi commercial desk at the LCCI. The desk will streamline business initiatives and strengthen linkages between the two countries.
Direct Imports of Pakistani Goods
Al-Harbi highlighted Pakistan’s untapped potential and confirmed Riyadh’s plan to import Pakistani goods directly. This approach will bypass third-party routes through Europe, reducing costs and improving efficiency. “We aim to build structured policies that strengthen economic cooperation and enhance people-to-people connections,” he explained.
B2B Meetings and Business Expansion
The Saudi delegation will hold B2B meetings with prominent Pakistani business leaders. Special sessions are being arranged in partnership with the Punjab Board of Investment and Trade and the LCCI. There is also a possibility of representatives from other provincial chambers joining these interactions in Lahore.
Trade Over Aid
During the talks, LCCI President Abu Zar Shad stressed the importance of “trade over aid.” He underlined that Pakistan seeks sustainable partnerships instead of financial assistance. He also proposed reviving the maritime ferry service that operated in the 1960s to further boost bilateral trade and people-to-people exchanges.
A New Chapter in Relations
The upcoming Saudi business delegation visit is expected to mark the start of a new era. Pakistan and Saudi Arabia boost trade after defence pact, moving beyond security cooperation to stronger economic integration and mutual growth.
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