ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Resources, Ali Pervez Malik, has invited Saudi investors to explore opportunities in the South Asian country’s mining and natural resources sectors.
The Pakistani minister made the offer during a meeting with Saudi Vice Minister for Industry and Mineral Resources Engineer Khalid Al-Mudaifer on the sidelines of the International Mining and Resources Conference in Sydney, an official statement said on Thursday.
He emphasised the long-standing friendship and selfless bond between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan.
The International Mining and Resources Conference (IMARC) 2025, one of the world’s largest gatherings for the global mining, resources, and energy industries, brings together government leaders, investors, and companies to explore partnerships and sustainable development opportunities.
Mining and minerals have become priority sectors for Pakistan as the government works to attract international investors under its broader strategy to drive export-led growth.
During the forum, Malik highlighted Pakistan’s vast mineral potential and specifically encouraged Saudi entrepreneurs to explore opportunities in the sector.
“Saudi Arabia and Pakistan share a long-standing friendship and a bond of sincere goodwill,” he said after meeting Saudi Vice Minister for Industry and Mineral Resources Engineer Khalid Al-Mudaifer, according to the statement.
“We welcome Saudi investors to explore opportunities in Pakistan’s mineral and mining sectors.”
Pakistan is estimated to possess untapped mineral resources valued at around $6 trillion, including deposits of copper, gold, lithium, coal, rock salt, and iron ore.
However, despite this vast potential, the mining sector contributes only about 3.2 percent to the country’s GDP, while mineral exports make up less than 0.1 percent of global trade in these commodities.
