By Khawaja Hamza
Saudi Arabia has expressed keen interest in investing in Balochistan and creating employment opportunities for the province’s skilled workforce.
His Highness Prince Mansour bin Mohammad Al Saud, Chairman of the Saudi–Pakistan Joint Business Council, along with a 10-member Saudi business delegation, met a high-level delegation of the Government of Balochistan in Karachi. The meeting was led by Balochistan Board of Investment and Trade (BBoIT) Vice Chairman Bilal Khan Kakar and attended by Managing Director BTEVTA Abdul Kabeer Zarkoon and Managing Director LIEDA Liaqat Kashani.
During the meeting, the Saudi delegation received a detailed briefing on Balochistan’s investment potential and various development projects, including a low-BTU gas-based urea fertilizer complex, a ferrochrome plant, industrial development through LIEDA, the blue economy, olive cultivation, livestock farming, and opportunities in the minerals and energy sectors.
Prince Mansour bin Mohammad Al Saud expressed his commitment to participating in investment initiatives in Balochistan and investing in projects ready for launch. He also assured that efforts would be accelerated to provide employment opportunities in Saudi Arabia for skilled workers from Balochistan, describing the initiative as a special gift to the provincial government.
Bilal Khan Kakar said Balochistan had immense investment potential due to its natural resources and economic capacity. He highlighted that investment in minerals, energy, agriculture, livestock, the coastal economy and industrial sectors could boost economic activities and generate substantial employment opportunities locally.
He said Chief Minister Balochistan Mir Sarfraz Bugti’s vision was to transform the province into a major national and international hub for investment and trade. He added that the provincial government was committed to facilitating investors and providing a business-friendly environment.
Inviting the Saudi delegation to benefit from the investment opportunities in Balochistan, Kakar assured that the BBoIT would provide all possible assistance in identifying suitable projects, coordinating with relevant government departments and facilitating investors throughout the investment process.
