PM Imran Khan stresses private sector of Pakistan, Saudi Arabia to strengthen economic relationship

RIYADH (92 News) – Prime Minister Imran Khan has stressed the importance of engaging the private sector of Pakistan and Saudi Arabia to strengthen the economic relationship.

Addressing Saudi-Pakistan Investment Forum in Riyadh today, he hoped the private sectors of the two countries would take full advantage of close and cordial bilateral relations to realize the untapped potential in the fields of trade, business and investment.

The Prime Minister emphasized that Pakistan offers a strong and large consumer market of over 220 million, with an ever-expanding middle class. He also highlighted the Pakistan government's liberal and investor-friendly policies.

He underlined that the government is committed to providing an enabling environment to strengthen the investor-friendly dispensation in the country.

Imran Khan underlined that the geo-strategic position offers Pakistan distinctive opportunities to stimulate intra-region trade by building regional connectivity on modern lines.

To realize that potential, the Prime Minister underscored the historic shift in Pakistan's strategic focus from geo-politics to geo-economics.

He said that Pakistan has excellent relations with China and that there could be further economic dividends if the unresolved dispute of Jammu and Kashmir is peacefully resolved with India.

The Prime Minister said that Pakistan will always stand with Saudi Arabia against any threat to its security, sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Addressing the Forum, Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi focused on Pakistan's shift from geo-politics to geo-economics.

Adviser on Finance Shaukat Tarin highlighted economic resurgence of Pakistan. Minister for Energy Hammad Azhar outlined the vast opportunities in the energy, agriculture, livestock and other key sectors.