News Desk
President Asif Ali Zardari on Thursday visited the Saudi Pakistan Real Estate Expo (SPREX) at Lake City, here, underscoring the importance of strengthening economic cooperation and promoting investment between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.
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, a Presidency’s news release said.
During the visit, the President was briefed on the participating companies and their projects, as well as the investment opportunities being explored in Pakistan’s 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.
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.
The participating companies are exploring potential investment opportunities in Pakistan, while showcasing projects in Makkah and Madinah to attract Saudi 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 countries.
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 reflect growing opportunities for cooperation and can contribute to a new phase of development through investment, enterprise and joint ventures. He also underscored the importance of providing a supportive and investor-friendly environment to facilitate foreign investment in Pakistan. On the occasion, the new uniforms for Pakistan International Airlines crew were also displayed.