Print Print edition: 2026-01-21

PM arrives in Davos

Published Updated

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday arrived in Davos, Switzerland to participate in the annual meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF) from January 20-22, 2026.

The prime minister was warmly received by Pakistan’s permanent representative to the United Nation Muhammad Bilal, Pakistan’s Ambassador to Switzerland Marghoob Saleem, and Pakistan’s diplomatic staff in Switzerland at the Zurich airport.

The prime minister is accompanied by a high-level delegation, including Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Muhammad Ishaq Dar, Minister for Finance Muhammad Aurangzeb, Minister for Economic Affairs Ahad Cheema, Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar, Special Assistant to PM Tariq Fatemi, and other senior officials, according to a press statement issued by the PM House.

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During his official visit, the prime minister will engage in important diplomatic and economic activities besides holding bilateral meetings with various heads of state and government, as well as leaders of international organizations.

During the visit, Pakistan and the World Economic Forum will co-host a business roundtable to be attended by the prominent leaders from global companies, expressing interest in exploring investment opportunities in Pakistan or expanding their existing investments.

“Arrived in Davos, Switzerland, to advance Pakistan’s engagement at the World Economic Forum with global trade and investment partners,” the prime minister wrote on his official ‘X’ account.

He said Pakistan’s ongoing economic reform journey was unlocking profound opportunities, driven by a resilient and entrepreneurial workforce and significant potential across energy, agriculture, minerals, and emerging technologies.

“We are ready to harness this potential into mutually beneficial economic cooperation and long-term investment,” he added.

However, Finance Minister Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb on Monday met Saudi Finance Minister Mohammed Aljadaan on the sidelines of the WEF annual meeting to discuss Pakistan’s economic outlook and avenues for enhanced investment cooperation.

During the meeting, both sides exchanged views on Pakistan’s recent economic progress and reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the long-standing economic partnership between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. The Finance Minister briefed his Saudi counterpart on key macroeconomic indicators, saying Pakistan’s economy was firmly on a stabilisation and growth trajectory. He said foreign exchange reserves had improved, providing an import cover of around three months, reflecting enhanced macroeconomic resilience.

According to the Foreign Office, the Prime Minister is expected to interact with several world leaders, including business executives on the sidelines of the WEF’s annual meeting.

The Foreign Office said that articulating Pakistan’s perspective on global and regional peace and development and highlighting the government’s vision and achievements in the areas of economy, trade and investment opportunities will be part of the Prime Minister’s key messages during the visit.

The WEF Annual Meeting brings together political leaders, business executives, heads of international organizations and civil society representatives. It deliberates on contemporary geopolitical, economic, social and environmental issues.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026