Key Points
- Both countries agreed to expedite Saudi investment plans and broader economic cooperation
- Pakistan plans to develop a structured pipeline of skilled human resources for international markets
- Two ministers review progress on the Gulf Cooperation Council Free Trade Agreement
ISLAMABAD: Saudi Arabia has expressed a strong interest in utilising Pakistan’s artificial intelligence and technology talent, advancing investment commitments, and signalling deepening economic cooperation between the two countries.
This transpired during a meeting between Pakistan’s Minister for Finance and Revenue, Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb and Saudi Minister of Economy and Planning Faisal bin Fadhil Alibrahim on the sidelines of the AlUla Conference for Emerging Market Economies held in the Kingdom.
According to Pakistan’s Finance Ministry, the Saudi minister highlighted the high-quality AI and technology professionals being produced by Pakistan. The country ranks among the top globally in talent generation, he said. “The Kingdom is keen to leverage Pakistani expertise to support its ongoing technological transformation,” he added.
Referring to international recognition of Pakistan’s tech workforce, he cited US businessman and former Google CEO Eric Schmidt, who acknowledged the strength and potential of Pakistani technology professionals.
Both sides reviewed follow-ups on matters relating to Saudi investments in Pakistan and discussed avenues for strengthening bilateral economic cooperation.
Minister Aurangzeb stated that Pakistan plans to establish a structured pipeline of skilled human resources for key international markets, including Saudi Arabia, aimed to generating economic benefits for both countries.
The Saudi minister also noted progress on the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Free Trade Agreement, emphasising and prioritising increased trade and economic exchanges with Pakistan.
Aurangzeb assured that dedicated Pakistani teams are actively working to finalise Saudi Arabia’s investment commitments, reaffirming Islamabad’s focus on translating pledges into tangible projects.
The finance minister also appreciated the Saudi government for hosting what he described as a strategically significant conference for emerging market economies and thanked Alibrahim for the Kingdom’s continued commitment to Pakistan’s economy.
