Key sectors: SIFC engages with Saudis on investments

ISLAMABAD: The Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) and a high-level Saudi delegation, headed by Chairman of the Saudi-Pakistan Joint Business Council (JBC) Prince Mansour, are holding parleys, aimed at accelerating investment cooperation across key sectors of Pakistan’s economy, well-informed sources in Ministry of Energy told Business Recorder.

According to official documents, the visit, scheduled for June 4–5, 2026, is featuring a series of government-to-government (G2G), government-to-business (G2B), and business-to-business (B2B) interactions, with a strong focus on infrastructure development, energy, agriculture, and real estate.

The SIFC Secretariat has directed all relevant ministries and departments to prepare comprehensive project pitches, presentations, and technical details to ensure “outcome-oriented discussions” with Saudi investors.

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The delegation’s engagements began on June 4 with an introductory session between leading Pakistani business figures and their Saudi counterparts, including representatives of the JBC and other senior Saudi officials.

Prominent Pakistani business leaders, met the visiting delegation and Pakistan’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia was also present in the meeting.

Subsequent sessions on the first day run in parallel, covering critical infrastructure and logistics sectors. Discussions on motorway projects—including M-6, M-10, and M-13— focused on development opportunities, with participation from the Ministry of Communications and the National Highway Authority (NHA).

At the same time, separate meetings explored expansion plans for Karachi’s ports. Senior officials from the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and port authorities, including Karachi Port Trust (KPT), Port Qasim Authority (PQA), and Gwadar Port Authority (GPA), engaged Saudi investors on operational and development prospects.

Another parallel track examined opportunities in airport infrastructure, including development and operations, involving the Pakistan Airports Authority and aviation officials.

Agriculture-related investments were also discussed, particularly in meat and rice processing, with participation from the Ministry of National Food Security and major organizations such as the Fauji Foundation and associated entities.

On the second day (today), the focus will shift to policy frameworks and sector-specific investment roadmaps. A key session will deliberate on a G2G and G2B concept roadmap aimed at implementing Pakistani projects through joint Saudi-Pakistan public-private consortia, involving government-linked companies and private sector entities from both countries.

Energy sector cooperation will feature prominently, with dedicated sessions on power and petroleum projects. Discussions on power will include transmission lines and smart metering, with representation from the Minister for Power, Secretary Power, and Saudi counterparts.

Sources said petroleum-sector talks will cover gas metering as well as opportunities in mining and minerals. These discussions will be attended by the Minister for Petroleum and Natural Resources and the Secretary Petroleum.

Real estate and tourism-linked investments will also be explored through meetings on hotels and property development, involving the Ministry of Housing and Works, Capital Development Authority (CDA), Frontier Works Organization (FWO) and Defence Housing Authority (DHA).

The visit is expected to conclude with a B2B session of the Pakistan-Saudi Joint Business Council, where private sector representatives from both countries will engage in partnership discussions for upcoming projects, signaling deeper commercial collaboration.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026