Pakistan is our second home, says Saudi commerce minister

ISLAMABAD (92 News) – Saudi Minister of Commerce and Investment Majid bin Abdullah Al Qasabi said that Pakistan is their second home. Addressing the Pak-Saudi Business Conference in Islamabad on Monday, he said that the Pak-Saudi ties are moving in a right direction. “Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has expressed desire to turn the bilateral relations with Pakistan into a strategic partnership. He has also asked me to give assurances that Pakistan and Saudi Arabia are partners in development,” he said. The Saudi minister said that the Pak-Saudi bilateral trade volume stands at 3.7 billion dollars with an increase in the last 15 years. “However, this still needs improvement.” Majid Al-Qassa said that they need to market things rightly and attract investors from both sides. “For this, we will frankly discuss the opportunities and challenges to reach at the fruitful outcomes,” he maintained. Speaking on the occasion, Adviser to Prime Minister on Commerce Abdul Razak Dawood said that a new chapter had begun in bilateral relations of Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. He said that the Saudi investment in Pakistan is highly significant for positive trajectory of Pakistan's growth and economy. He said that Saudi Arabia is a partner of Pakistan in its journey of prosperity. Abdul Razak Dawood said that investment in mining and mineral development from Saudi investors would be highly appreciated. “We have for the last few years have been moving in the direction of improving power shortages and infrastructure. The Chinese government has helped us in this work.” The adviser said that their relations with Saudi Arabia are increasing in a different direction and at a different level. “The Saudi announcement of a huge investment in various sectors of Pakistan will improve our economy,” he said, adding that Saudi investors and businessmen will be provided all-out facilities in their business ventures.