ISLAMABAD, Oct 08 (Reuters): A Saudi business delegation is due in Pakistan this week to kick off what Islamabad hopes is a program of investment following a mutual defence agreement, though major investments may be dependent on reforms, officials and experts said.
Pakistani sources anticipate initial investment plans of about $1 billion, possibly through the creation of a new fund, as a path to a deeper economic relationship mirroring military ties. Under last month's defence deal Pakistani forces are expected to be stationed in Saudi Arabia, with Riyadh indicating it will also come under the protection of Islamabad's nuclear weapons. Gulf Arab states say Israel is a direct threat, after its unprecedented strikes on Qatar in September. Less clear is what Pakistan gets out of it, though analysts widely expect a financial payoff.
The Saudi businessmen will be led by Prince Mansour bin Mohammad al-Saud, former governor of Hafar Al-Batin Province. The delegation is modest in ambition, with a much bigger Saudi interest sought by Pakistan in the months ahead.
Pakistan's commerce ministry and the Saudi government media office did not respond to requests for comment. Prince Mansour could not be reached for comment.
The sectors that the Saudi businessmen will focus on are technology, sports equipment, and food and agriculture, according to a source involved in the process.
Pakistan looks to unlock Saudi investment with visit following defence pact
FE Team | Published: October 08, 2025 23:38:04
Pakistan looks to unlock Saudi investment with visit following defence pact
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