ISLAMABAD: Saudi fast-food giant Albaik has decided to start operations in Pakistan and is expected to open outlets in major cities, Commerce Minister Jam Kamal Khan said in Jeddah on Saturday.

The minister visited Albaik’s plants and met Pakistani employees working there.

During the visit, Albaik confirmed that its plan to launch operations in Pakistan was in its final stages following the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU).

The discussions, held during the first-ever Made in Pakistan exhibition, centered on business collaborations, investment opportunities, and Saudi brands entering the Pakistani market,said a press release issued here on Saturday.

In a key meeting with prominent Saudi businessmen, the Minister invited them to explore investment opportunities in Pakistan across energy, agriculture, IT, healthcare, infrastructure, and consumer goods.

He highlighted Pakistans 22pc export growth to Saudi Arabia, reaching $700 million, and assured Saudi investors of a business-friendly environment with tax exemptions, investor protection laws, and access to a 240-million-strong consumer market.

Saudi business leaders expressed keen interest in collaborating with Pakistani counterparts, particularly in construction materials, textiles, and food industries.

Several proposals were discussed to enhance trade partnerships and industrial investment, with the Minister extending an invitation for them to visit Pakistan and participate in trade exhibitions like TEXPO, Food-AG, and the Healthcare & Mineral Show.

The discussions also touched on Pakistans recent ease-of-doing-business initiatives, including Pakistan Single Window (PSW) and the National Compliance Centre, aimed at streamlining trade regulations and enhancing export standards.

A major highlight of the visit was Minister Jam Kamal Khans meeting with Albaik owner Rami Abu Ghazala. The Minister was given a tour of Albaiks operations, where he met Pakistani employees working at the fast-food giant.

During the discussions, Albaik confirmed its expansion into Pakistan, stating that the process is in its final stages following the signing of an MOU. The first Albaik branches in Pakistan are expected to open soon, creating new job opportunities and strengthening economic ties between the two nations.

The Minister appreciated the contributions of Pakistani workers within Saudi businesses like Albaik and welcomed the brands entry into Pakistan, highlighting its potential to enhance the countrys fast-food industry and consumer market.

In another significant meeting, the Minister met with Pakistani investors and business leaders based in Jeddah, recognizing their decades-long contributions to Saudi Arabias economic landscape.

He acknowledged that 1.7 million Pakistanis traveled to Saudi Arabia in the past five years, making it the top destination for Pakistani emigrants.

The Minister also highlighted the $7.4 billion in remittances sent from Saudi Arabia last fiscal year, emphasizing the strong financial link between the two countries.

He noted that the Pakistan Investor Forum, recently established in Jeddah, is playing a key role in guiding new market entrants and fostering Pakistani-Saudi business collaborations.

He also encouraged Pakistani investors to leverage the countrys Revised Visa Policy, which allows GCC citizens to enter Pakistan visa-free for up to 90 days, making business travel more convenient.

Minister Jam Kamal Khan’s engagements in Jeddah reinforced Pakistans commitment to strengthening trade ties with Saudi Arabia. From Saudi business leaders showing confidence in Pakistans economy to Albaiks upcoming expansion, the visit marked a major step forward in deepening economic and trade relations between the two nations.

With growing Saudi interest in Pakistani industries, increasing trade volumes, and new business partnerships, the Pakistan-Saudi economic corridor is set to expand further, opening exciting opportunities for both countries.

Published in Dawn, February 9th, 2025