LAHORE (Special Correspondent) – President Asif Ali Zardari on Thursday visited the Saudi Pakistan Real Estate Expo (SPREX) at Lake City, underscoring the vital importance of strengthening economic cooperation and promoting bilateral investment between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.

Key Points

• President Asif Ali Zardari visited the Saudi Pakistan Real Estate Expo (SPREX) at Lake City in Lahore.
• The President was received by Punjab Governor Sardar Saleem Haider Khan and Dr Gohar Ejaz.
• Prominent Saudi investment groups participated to explore real estate opportunities in Pakistan.
• New uniforms for Pakistan International Airlines crew were also displayed during the event.

Enhancing Pak-Saudi Investment Ties

Upon arrival, the President was received by Governor of Punjab Sardar Saleem Haider Khan and Dr Gohar Ejaz, CEO of Lake City and Member of the Saudi-Pakistan Business Council, according to a Presidency news release. During the visit, President Asif Ali Zardari was briefed on the participating companies and their projects, as well as the diverse investment opportunities being explored in Pakistan’s dynamic real estate sector.

The Expo features pavilions of prominent Saudi real estate and investment companies, with participation from Prince Mansour bin Mohammed Al Saud, Chairman of the Saudi-Pakistan Business Council, and Abdul Aziz Al-Ashrafi, Vice Chairman of the Council. Similar bilateral engagements often pave the way for broader regional collaborations, much like Pakistan and Maldives Agree to Expand Bilateral Trade and Ties through ongoing diplomatic efforts.

Promoting Cross-Border Business Collaboration

The participating Saudi companies include Safa Investment, Knowledge Economic City, Sumou Investment, Al-Majidiya, Ulo Real Estate, Al-Diyar Al-Arabiya, Bin Daood Investment and International Gate Investment. These companies are actively exploring potential investment opportunities in Pakistan, while showcasing flagship projects in Makkah and Madinah to attract investors and promote greater cross-border investment.

Speaking on the occasion, the President emphasised the importance of translating the longstanding and fraternal relations between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia into stronger economic partnerships, increased investment, and mutually beneficial business opportunities. He reiterated that Saudi Arabia has always stood firmly alongside Pakistan through difficult times, reflecting the enduring friendship and strategic partnership between the two nations.

Fostering Long-Term Economic Partnerships

The President appreciated the organisers’ efforts to bring Pakistani and Saudi business communities together, observing that such initiatives can help open new avenues for foreign direct investment, encourage private-sector collaboration, and foster long-term economic partnerships. He noted that the participation of prominent Saudi business and investment groups in the Expo reflects growing opportunities for cooperation and can contribute to a new phase of development through investment, enterprise, and joint ventures.

Furthermore, he underscored the critical importance of providing a supportive and investor-friendly environment to facilitate seamless foreign investment in Pakistan. On the occasion, the new uniforms for Pakistan International Airlines crew were also displayed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who welcomed President Asif Ali Zardari at the Expo?

The President was received by Governor of Punjab Sardar Saleem Haider Khan and Dr Gohar Ejaz, CEO of Lake City and Member of the Saudi-Pakistan Business Council.

Which Saudi companies participated in the SPREX event?

Participating companies included Safa Investment, Knowledge Economic City, Sumou Investment, Al-Majidiya, Ulo Real Estate, Al-Diyar Al-Arabiya, Bin Daood Investment and International Gate Investment.