FDI - Foreign Direct Investment in Pakistan

[Mian]

Saudi Arabia interested in heavy investment in Pakistan, crown prince tells Imran Khan

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has told prime minister-in-waiting Imran Khan that the kingdom was very much interested in investing heavily in a bid to strengthen its trade ties with Pakistan.

The crown prince of Kingdom of Saudi Arabia also congratulated the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chief on his election victory over telephone, said a statement issued by the PTI on Tuesday.

Prince Mohammed highlighted ‘extensive’ economic and trade opportunities in Pakistan.

The Pakistani prime minister-designate, on the other hand, lauded ‘effective anti-corruption campaign’ initiated under the supervision of Crown Prince Mohammed in Saudi Arabia.

“Just and productive governance only possible with end to corruption,” he was quoted as saying during the telephonic conversation. “We will benefit from Saudi crown prince’s experience,” Khan added.

The PTI chief said that bilateral ties between the two countries would be further strengthened, adding that the leaders of both countries would also visit each other’s country soon in this regard.

This is third such contact between leaders of the two countries in as many days. On Monday, Saudi King Salman bin Abdul Aziz telephoned Imran Khan and conveyed that the kingdom would always be at the forefront to help Pakistan.

The Saudi king and crown prince had reached out to Imran and shared their hope to see a prosperous Pakistan a day earlier.

https://tribune.com.pk/story/178081...investment-pakistan-crown-prince-tells-imran/

 

[90MPH]

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has told prime minister-in-waiting Imran Khan that the kingdom was very much interested in investing heavily in a bid to strengthen its trade ties with Pakistan.

The crown prince of Kingdom of Saudi Arabia also congratulated the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chief on his election victory over telephone, said a statement issued by the PTI on Tuesday.

Prince Mohammed highlighted ‘extensive’ economic and trade opportunities in Pakistan.

The Pakistani prime minister-designate, on the other hand, lauded ‘effective anti-corruption campaign’ initiated under the supervision of Crown Prince Mohammed in Saudi Arabia.

“Just and productive governance only possible with end to corruption,” he was quoted as saying during the telephonic conversation. “We will benefit from Saudi crown prince’s experience,” Khan added.

The PTI chief said that bilateral ties between the two countries would be further strengthened, adding that the leaders of both countries would also visit each other’s country soon in this regard.

This is third such contact between leaders of the two countries in as many days. On Monday, Saudi King Salman bin Abdul Aziz telephoned Imran Khan and conveyed that the kingdom would always be at the forefront to help Pakistan.

The Saudi king and crown prince had reached out to Imran and shared their hope to see a prosperous Pakistan a day earlier.

https://tribune.com.pk/story/178081...investment-pakistan-crown-prince-tells-imran/

Yes Investment in schools and education would be nice.

But Pakistan should say a firm no to any more investment regarding the whabbbi madrasahs. They have only caused hate and division in Pakistan.

 

[hafeezrocks]

Nice but hope no Wahabbi madrassas for indoctrination.

 

[Syed1]

This is just lollipop to prevent Pakistan from getting too friendly with Iran

 

[Pakpak]

This is just lollipop to prevent Pakistan from getting too friendly with Iran

Pretty much. More money for blackmailing, nothing else.

 

[hussain.r97]

Any normal investments are welcome, but please no investments in madrassahs ... I prefer we don't get too chummy with either one of Iran or Saudi Arabia.

 

[the Great Khan]

translated as "bribe" to khan..

 

[Major]

No need, due to 2 reasons

Saudi's end up promoting their Wahabism, which has caused a bad name for Islam. Dont need more Wahabi ideology being promoted here.

Second, Saudi's themselves are not stable.

Look what happened between Saudi Arabia and Canada. These people went to the extent to ruin the future of their own students.
Not very reliable.

 

[Mian]

No need, due to 2 reasons

Saudi's end up promoting their Wahabism, which has caused a bad name for Islam. Dont need more Wahabi ideology being promoted here.

Second, Saudi's themselves are not stable.

Look what happened between Saudi Arabia and Canada. These people went to the extent to ruin the future of their own students.
Not very reliable.

In current situation of economy we don't have too many choices left. China and Saudis are our only options if not IMF

 

[Cpt. Rishwat]

Nice but hope no Wahabbi madrassas for indoctrination.

The Crown Prince and Imran are both referring to extensive economic and trade co-operation, no mention of religious indoctrination. Pakistan should take a leaf out of India's book and treat Saudi Arabia as a business partner only.

 

[Bewal Express]

Yes Investment in schools and education would be nice.

But Pakistan should say a firm no to any more investment regarding the whabbbi madrasahs. They have only caused hate and division in Pakistan.

Totally agree. We need Investments to help us grow and not hate.

 

[enkidu_]

Peoples who fear for the spread of "Wahabbism" should know that since MBS the Saudi's themselves are militating against "Wahabbi" clerics, some hundreds of them rotting in jails nowadays.

That began with the Sahwa movement in the 90s, when some "Wahabbi" clerics under Muslim Brotherhood influence, like Safar Al-Hawali (who recently went into jail again), were crusading against US armed presence in the Arabian peninsula, and thus were repressed by the State, but it took more pace with MBS.

 

[LongHorn]

Peoples who fear for the spread of "Wahabbism" should know that since MBS the Saudi's themselves are militating against "Wahabbi" clerics, some hundreds of them rotting in jails nowadays.

.

You are half correct.

the Saudis are against militant Wahabism, but only in their own country. They are not averse to using militants in other countries, as seen for instance in Yemen where they are partnering with AQ


As for the arrested clerics, not all of them are militant, just not considering Qatar as ultimate evil in this planet is enough to put a cleric in jail....

Just like some women activists were arrested...

 

[Savak]

Is this coming with strings attached i.e an NRO and safe passage outside Pakistan for the Sharif Family?

 

[Syed1]

Is this coming with strings attached i.e an NRO and safe passage outside Pakistan for the Sharif Family?

Since IK won elections there have been atleast three phone calls/talks by the Saudis. They are either definitely worried about their asset or they are concerned about what IK said about Iran in his victory speech.

 

[PakLFC]

Pak has to have good relations with both Iran and Saudi Arabia. There conflict has nothing to do with us so lets act maturely for once. We do not want an enemy in Iran or Saudi.

 

[Varun]

This is going to end well.

 

[Angrez Pakistani]

Have them invest in education sector. Have them invest in private as well as government schools. That will be a real and meaningful change. The course content will be free of Jewish conspiracies, I’m very positive about that. I’m giddy with excitement!

 

[Eagle_Eye]

Naya pakistan can't be build without money.... has to come from somewhere. Investment in economy should be welcome.

 

[Cpt. Rishwat]

Naya pakistan can't be build without money.... has to come from somewhere. Investment in economy should be welcome.

Agreed. People critical of Saudi investment aren't going to replace the shortfall, so it is totally understandable if Imran Khan takes a pragmatic approach. All economic co-operation should be welcomed whether it comes from SA, Iran or India.

 

[IMMY69]

Saudi will destroy what is left of Pakistan.

Instead of being a direct ally of the states, we will be an ally by proxy.

This will not end well.

Stuff the sick Saudi Royals and stuff their bribes and extremism

 

[IMMY69]

Pakistan will so better by making lasting peace with India.
The Indian issue is the biggest problem Pakistan faces.

Time to start talking with India

 

[PakLFC]

Pak was a good place until these Saudi's bought their oppressive burkha and niqab culture to us after the Russian invasion of Afghanstan. Expect complete saudinization of Pakistan in exchange of their money for those who want it so badly. Soon PM Imran Khan will have a massive beard without moustache supported by other nutcases like Zaid Hamid with weird fascinations of reaching Jerusalem on his horse. Ladies drivers will be banned and religious police will be everywhere curtailing all means of expression. They will see anti-Islam things everywhere.

 

[Syed1]

Pak was a good place until these Saudi's bought their oppressive burkha and niqab culture to us after the Russian invasion of Afghanstan. Expect complete saudinization of Pakistan in exchange of their money for those who want it so badly. Soon PM Imran Khan will have a massive beard without moustache supported by other nutcases like Zaid Hamid with weird fascinations of reaching Jerusalem on his horse. Ladies drivers will be banned and religious police will be everywhere curtailing all means of expression. They will see anti-Islam things everywhere.

Your saffron is showing again

 

[marlonbrowndo]

Stay away from these saudis

 

[Cpt. Rishwat]

Pakistan will so better by making lasting peace with India.
The Indian issue is the biggest problem Pakistan faces.

Time to start talking with India

India can't even arrange bilateral cricket tours or Pakistani participation in the IPL, is there any indication that they would co-operate on a political level which might benefit Pakistan?

 

[Manager101]

Absolutely no need to join hands with these murderers of Yemen, infact we should stand against the current Saudi oppressive government.

 

[IMMY69]

India can't even arrange bilateral cricket tours or Pakistani participation in the IPL, is there any indication that they would co-operate on a political level which might benefit Pakistan?

It won’t be easy, but then nothing that good is easy.

I just take the view that you can throw as much money as you want to the Pakistany coffers but you’ll still end up spending vast amounts on military and and unstable relationship would be bad for economic growth.

This the ultimate solution to lasting peace and prosperity.
Will it happen? Not likely. But doesn’t meant we shouldn’t try.
Also if efforts are made then we can at least start to show the world that we are a peaceful nation and atleast win the propaganda race.

 

[IMMY69]

I would prefer to do business with the Indians then the Saudi’s.
That’s how much I dislike them. It’s likegetting in bed with the devil.

 

[enkidu_]

You are half correct.

the Saudis are against militant Wahabism, but only in their own country. They are not averse to using militants in other countries, as seen for instance in Yemen where they are partnering with AQ


As for the arrested clerics, not all of them are militant, just not considering Qatar as ultimate evil in this planet is enough to put a cleric in jail....

Just like some women activists were arrested...

The point is that the pan Wahhabi reading of Saudi foreign policy is biased.

Like the US supports both left-liberalism and right-conservatism for its own geopolitics, Saudis aren't bent on spreading Wahabbism as generally thought. They're pragmatic. If it was the case, in Pak context their petrodollars would have helped the Ahl-e-Hadith and not the Deobandis.

The same way Iran has stopped trying to export its revolution since very long.

Pakistan will so better by making lasting peace with India.
The Indian issue is the biggest problem Pakistan faces.

Time to start talking with India

When is the last time you've heard of a Saudi figure calling for the end of Pak as nation-state/stopping the water release/calling for its intl. isolation/etc etc ?

 

[Cpt. Rishwat]

I would prefer to do business with the Indians then the Saudi’s.
That’s how much I dislike them. It’s likegetting in bed with the devil.

Yes I would prefer it too, I am sure Imran Khan would love to adopt a conciliatory tone with India too, when he was in opposition it was one of his major campaign proposals to try and foster better relations with India. It will be interesting to see how much headway he can make with Modi's BJP. It will certainly require open minded attitudes and goodwill on both sides.

I would back Imran to take a pragmatic approach to Saudi Arabia as well, as someone has said, they are one of the major countries investing in Pakistan, not sure Iran could do so as a counterweight even if they wanted to now as they are struggling under sanctions.

 

[PakLFC]

Your saffron is showing again

I think you mean my green and white is showing again. You want a Saudi cultural take over of Pakistan! Welcome to the new PM Muhammad Imran Bin Khan Niaz if that were to happen!

 

[IMMY69]

The point is that the pan Wahhabi reading of Saudi foreign policy is biased.

Like the US supports both left-liberalism and right-conservatism for its own geopolitics, Saudis aren't bent on spreading Wahabbism as generally thought. They're pragmatic. If it was the case, in Pak context their petrodollars would have helped the Ahl-e-Hadith and not the Deobandis.

The same way Iran has stopped trying to export its revolution since very long.



When is the last time you've heard of a Saudi figure calling for the end of Pak as nation-state/stopping the water release/calling for its intl. isolation/etc etc ?

I never said it would be easy.
There was a time when Pakistan was doing better then India economically. It can become stronger and do better now if we somehow managed to bring peace to the region.

The only way we can overcome prejudices is to become the bigger people, show the Indians and the world that we do have big hearts. It's actually the one thing that every Pakistani does have.
Be the bigger person and end this animosity.

 

[IMMY69]

Yes I would prefer it too, I am sure Imran Khan would love to adopt a conciliatory tone with India too, when he was in opposition it was one of his major campaign proposals to try and foster better relations with India. It will be interesting to see how much headway he can make with Modi's BJP. It will certainly require open minded attitudes and goodwill on both sides.

I would back Imran to take a pragmatic approach to Saudi Arabia as well, as someone has said, they are one of the major countries investing in Pakistan, not sure Iran could do so as a counterweight even if they wanted to now as they are struggling under sanctions.

Well my friend it just feels like the time is here, it feels like it is now or never.
I hope Imran Khan can pave the way towards peace.

 

[enkidu_]

I never said it would be easy.
There was a time when Pakistan was doing better then India economically. It can become stronger and do better now if we somehow managed to bring peace to the region.

The only way we can overcome prejudices is to become the bigger people, show the Indians and the world that we do have big hearts. It's actually the one thing that every Pakistani does have.
Be the bigger person and end this animosity.

Was it doing better due to India ?

You haven't answered my questions. India is an existential threat to Pakistan, unlike Saudi Arabia, Iran, US, China, etc and there can't be peace between the cure and the illness safe in the tomb.

 

[IMMY69]

Was it doing better due to India ?

You haven't answered my questions. India is an existential threat to Pakistan, unlike Saudi Arabia, Iran, US, China, etc and there can't be peace between the cure and the illness safe in the tomb.

The tensions between the countries, lack of trade, heavy investment in military..

A few things that are stalling our development as a country.

 

[enkidu_]

The tensions between the countries, lack of trade, heavy investment in military..

A few things that are stalling our development as a country.

India isn't the only country in the world to trade with and the military has always eaten the national budget, even when the economy was decent. Though it's obviously condemnable, compare Musharraf/Shaukat Aziz govt. with the latest Sharif/Ishaq Dar in terms of Forex reserves, etc. The problem was not the Army in the latter case.

And for some trade you're ready to sell off the Kashmiri's (basically like Mush') ?

Because that'd be one of their demands.

 

[finalfantasy7]

Reject this and start moving closer to the Malaysian model, especially when it comes to education

 

[Varun]

And for some trade you're ready to sell off the Kashmiri's (basically like Mush') ?

Consider it. The Indian market is gargantuan, and India - Pakistani trade can be a game changer in just a few years.

Just pretend India are China, and these Kashmiris are Uyghurs. Either that, or we are Saudi Arabia, and the Kashmiris are Yemenis. Easy as cake, and then let's swap your mangoes for ours.

 

[enkidu_]

Consider it. The Indian market is gargantuan, and India - Pakistani trade can be a game changer in just a few years.

Just pretend India are China, and these Kashmiris are Uyghurs. Either that, or we are Saudi Arabia, and the Kashmiris are Yemenis. Easy as cake, and then let's swap your mangoes for ours.

You should rise above your materialism. Even if Indian market was a trillion strong billionaires it isn't worth the blood of Kashmiris or the fact that its ruling party's ideology goes very much frontally against an Islamic republic.

Also, If a country decides to base its foreign policy on humanitarian concerns it'd be more isolated than North Korea, and the first country it'd totally cut ties with would be the US. That's the ugly world of realpolitik we live in. But again do tell me when an important Chinese or Saudi figure has called for the territorial disintegration of Pakistan, threatened to cut off the water supply, has called for its international isolation, etc, etc the Hindu India vs Islamic Pakistan enmity is not merely cosmetic and rhetorical but existential.

 

[King-Misbah]

Consider it. The Indian market is gargantuan, and India - Pakistani trade can be a game changer in just a few years.

Just pretend India are China, and these Kashmiris are Uyghurs. Either that, or we are Saudi Arabia, and the Kashmiris are Yemenis. Easy as cake, and then let's swap your mangoes for ours.

Our souls are not for sale.

 

[IMMY69]

India isn't the only country in the world to trade with and the military has always eaten the national budget, even when the economy was decent. Though it's obviously condemnable, compare Musharraf/Shaukat Aziz govt. with the latest Sharif/Ishaq Dar in terms of Forex reserves, etc. The problem was not the Army in the latter case.

And for some trade you're ready to sell off the Kashmiri's (basically like Mush') ?

Because that'd be one of their demands.

Peaceful and constructive dialogue that brings about a referendum in Kashmir.

I’m an idealist and i’ve always believed that there should be one part of Old India / New Pakistan that remains jointly controlled but with no divisions within it.

But ultimately the people of Kashmir should decide.

 

[Varun]

You should rise above your materialism. Even if Indian market was a trillion strong billionaires it isn't worth the blood of Kashmiris or the fact that its ruling party's ideology goes very much frontally against an Islamic republic.

Our souls are not for sale.

What is this, Harry Potter?

You are dealing with China and Saudi Arabia everyday in spite of their track record against Uyghurs and Yemenis day in and day out, so why not India? As for an anti-Islam government, further than China is Myanmar whose antics with the Rohingyas is well known, and yet you are willing to sell them squadrons of the JF-17 fighter jet no less.

So yeah, copy-paste that mentality when it comes to them Kashmiris. At best we can solve that issue independent of our impending trade bonanza if both of us make the right moves. What say?

 

[WhenSultansBowled]

These Arabs and their money

Deals with devils never end well.

 

[Eagle_Eye]

Consider it. The Indian market is gargantuan, and India - Pakistani trade can be a game changer in just a few years.

Just pretend India are China, and these Kashmiris are Uyghurs. Either that, or we are Saudi Arabia, and the Kashmiris are Yemenis. Easy as cake, and then let's swap your mangoes for ours.

You are ignoring that Kashmiris are Pakistanis... they are not a third entity.

 

[Cpt. Rishwat]

What is this, Harry Potter?

You are dealing with China and Saudi Arabia everyday in spite of their track record against Uyghurs and Yemenis day in and day out, so why not India? As for an anti-Islam government, further than China is Myanmar whose antics with the Rohingyas is well known, and yet you are willing to sell them squadrons of the JF-17 fighter jet no less.

So yeah, copy-paste that mentality when it comes to them Kashmiris. At best we can solve that issue independent of our impending trade bonanza if both of us make the right moves. What say?

China and Saudi Arabia deal firmly with terrorists, but they do not have an anti-Pakistan stance as a rule. If anything, despite their concerns about Islamic fundamentalism, they go out of their way to build ties with Pakistan. India describes Pakistan as an enemy state, and thus policy has been designed to prevent Pakistan gaining any advantage either, militarily, financially or ideologically. This is can be demonstrably shown just from their policy in sport, cricket in particular.

Indian policy is quite strange in that they don't want to destroy Pakistan, their aim is to keep them perenially weak instead. Many Indian posters openly admit to this, and policies certainly reflect it.

 

[giri26]

Saudi crown prince expresses support for new govt in meeting with Gen Bajwa

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman on Tuesday evening met Chief of Army Staff Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa and conveyed his wishes and support for the newly elected Pakistani government, the military's media wing said.

According to a tweet by Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Director General Maj Gen Asif Ghafoor on Wednesday, the crown prince had invited the army chief for a meeting, followed by dinner, in Mina.

"Both discussed wide-ranging issues of mutual interest including regional security," the tweet said.

Prince Salman expressed "strong optimism" about Pakistan's ability to defeat the challenges at hand, a second tweet said, without elaborating.

"[The] Crown prince also expressed his best wishes & support to the newly elected government."

According to the ISPR chief, Prince Salman also congratulated Gen Bajwa on performing Haj while the army chief thanked the former for his wishes and support for Pakistan.

The meeting comes days after Saudi King Salman bin Abdul Aziz Al-Saud and the crown prince congratulated Prime Minister Imran Khan on his party’s victory in last month’s general elections.

The Saudi king had conveyed to Khan best wishes from the kingdom and its people for the progress and prosperity of the people of Pakistan.

Ambassador of Saudi Arabia to Pakistan Nawaf bin Said Al-Malki was the first diplomat to have met Khan even when the poll results were still pouring in.

During his meeting with Iranian Ambassador to Pakistan Mehdi Honardoost, the PTI chief had offered mediation between Iran and Saudi Arabia to resolve differences between the two countries.

Welcoming the offer, the Iranian envoy had termed the situation in the region sensitive and said: “Iran will welcome any proposal from Pakistan aimed at bringing peace to the region.”

https://www.dawn.com/news/1428589/s...upport-for-new-govt-in-meeting-with-gen-bajwa

 

[shaaik]

'We are creating an enabling environment for investment' PM Imran Khan tells FIIC audience in Riyadh

Prime Minister Imran Khan is delivering his speech at the Future Investment Initiative Conference (FIIC) in Riyadh.

The prime minister discussed some of the biggest challenges facing his government and his plans to tackle those issues.

"Pakistan has 100 million people below the age of 35," he told his audience. "There is a big pressure on the government to find employment for this population.

"We have embarked on this programme that in the first five years we will build 5 million houses. We are also trying to create an enabling environment for investment; we have this big resource lying outside Pakistan.

"The plan is to create an enabling environment in Pakistan so that we could attract not just foreign investors, and not just overseas investors but our own investors.We are restructuring our duty sectors."

The prime minister said that the mineral reserves in Pakistan could not be extracted due to terrorism and corruption issues in the past, adding that that will change now.

"There are vast amounts of mineral wealth in Pakistan," he said. "We have hardly had any investment in our mineral resources and one of the reasons as I said in the last 15 years was the war on terror. Investors would not come back to Pakistan. We also had very poor governance and corruption.

"Now thanks to our security forces and intelligence agencies, Pakistan has brought terrorism under control. In December, Exxon is coming back to Pakistan."

PM Khan said he has asked the Chinese government to help Pakistan in two areas: eliminating corruption and ending poverty.

"China in the past five years has really clamped down on corruption," he said. "We have corruption so we are going to look for ways, because white collar crime is very hard to convict.

"Secondly the way in which they have brought this huge amount of people out of poverty ...we have already asked the Chinese government to help us in these two areas."

The prime minister had travelled to Saudi Arabia on Monday to attend the conference on the special invitation of King Salman Bin Abdel Aziz.

The premier is accompanied by Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi, Finance Minister Asad Umar, Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry and Adviser to Prime Minister on Commerce and Industry Abdul Razzak Dawood.

The conference, which hosts businessmen and "representatives of hi-tech industry" from around the world, serves as an "opportunity to interact with important business leaders who are interested in investing in Pakistan", the statement said.

Details to follow

https://www.dawn.com/news/1440831/pm-khan-addresses-investment-conference-in-riyadh

 

[PakLFC]

Imran Khan addresses Saudi investment.

Our PM has addressed Riyadh. I think he's done well, what do others make off his answers?

 

[PakLFC]

We need to give IK time to implement his vision. His critics expected him to perform miracles in his first two months as PM need a reality check. The mess made by previous governments is so severe that it can't be undone so easily. I have full faith in IK, give him time. When we've given the likes off Nawaz Sharif and Zardari years to destroy the economy IK deserves at least half that time to get it back on track.

 

[Abdullah719]

'We are creating an enabling environment for investment', PM tells FIIC audience in Riyadh

Prime Minister Imran Khan on Tuesday spoke at the Future Investment Initiative Conference (FIIC) in Riyadh, where he discussed Pakistan's economic challenges and invited foreign investors to invest in the country.

"Pakistan has 100 million people below the age of 35," he told his audience. "There is a big pressure on the government to find employment for this population.

"We are trying to create an enabling environment for investment. The plan is not just to attract foreign and overseas investors, but our own investors as well. We are restructuring our duty sectors [in this regard]," he said.

The prime minister said that Pakistan's largely untapped mineral reserves could not be extracted in the past due to terrorism and corruption issues, but claimed that that is changing now.

"There are vast reserves of mineral wealth in Pakistan," he said. "We have hardly had any investment in our mineral resources and one of the reasons in the last 15 years, as I said, was the 'War on Terror'. Investors would not come back to Pakistan. We have also had very poor governance and [widespread] corruption.

"Now, thanks to our security forces and intelligence agencies, Pakistan has brought terrorism under control. In December, Exxon is coming back to Pakistan."

The premier vowed to facilitate foreign investors, and added that Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman is already helping the country attract foreign investment.

PM Khan said that the war against terrorism has taken its toll on Pakistan, stressing that the country now needs stability and peace to recover.

"One thing Pakistan needs more than any other country right now is peace and stability," he said. "The decade after 9/11 has been of great turmoil for us. Our tribal areas were devastated by the war. In fact, one of the reasons we are at this stage is due to instability and war."

The prime minister said that Pakistan's relations with its neighbours, especially Afghanistan and India, are crucial, and expressed disappointment that the latter did not reciprocate his attempts for reconciliation.

"What we need is stability, and stability means peace with all neighbours," he said. "Our problems right now are with Afghanistan and India. When I won the elections and came to power the first thing I tried to do was extend a hand of peace to India, but I am afraid we got no response from India. In fact, we got rebuffed."

"Now what we are hoping is that we wait until the elections then again we will resume our peace talks with India,” he added, referring to upcoming nationwide polls in India scheduled to take place by mid-May.

PM Khan said he has asked the Chinese government to help Pakistan in two areas: eliminating corruption and ending poverty.

"China in the past five years has really clamped down on corruption," he said. "We have corruption so we are going to look for ways, because white-collar crime is very hard to prosecute.

"Secondly, the way in which they have brought this huge number of people out of poverty ...we have already asked the Chinese government to help us in these two areas."

PM Khan also apprised his audience of the measures his government is taking to empower women.

"You can only empower women if you educate them," he said. "The five years we were in power in KP we decided that for every 100 colleges built, 70 would be for women.

"Secondly, we have started a housing project ... there too we are involving women, as we have found that women pay back loans more efficiently than men.

"Women also do not get their inheritance rights, which is mentioned in the Shariah, so we are also financially empowering them so that they get their rights."

https://www.dawn.com/news/1440831/w...r-investment-pm-tells-fiic-audience-in-riyadh

 

[DRsohail]

Well done khan a man with a vision.

 

[corneredtiger85292]

Spoken like a true leader. What a outstanding individual Imran Khan is. We are blessed to have him

 

[Slog]

Decent performance

 

[Napa]

Our PM has addressed Riyadh. I think he's done well, what do others make off his answers?

IK: "Pakistan has 100 million people below the age of 35," he told his audience. "There is a big pressure on the government to find employment for this population."

Yes, this should be his government's #1 priority.

IK: "There are vast amounts of mineral wealth in Pakistan," he said. "We have hardly had any investment in our mineral resources and one of the reasons as I said in the last 15 years was the war on terror. Investors would not come back to Pakistan. We also had very poor governance and corruption. Now thanks to our security forces and intelligence agencies, Pakistan has brought terrorism under control. In December, Exxon is coming back to Pakistan."

Increasing its raw material exports is a lazy hope for economic development. Nor will it generate significant employment.

What Pakistan needs is large amounts of foreign investment. Real investment into productive enterprises, not the fake investment like CEPC which is basically a sale of Chinese infrastructure goods on delayed payment terms.

The Western investor is concerned primarily about Pakistan's relations with the West, and specifically the US. Trump has clearly indicated that he will not give Pakistan a pass when it comes to ISI arming the Haqqani network which is the biggest killer of US soldiers in Afghanistan. If IK wants Western investments he needs to get the Army and ISI stop helping Afghani Taliban, but he does not have the power to do so. So the Western perception of Pakistan will not change.

IK: PM Khan said he has asked the Chinese government to help Pakistan in two areas: eliminating corruption and ending poverty.

He can't be serious. China is as different from Pakistan as one can imagine.

 

[MenInG]

Saudi Arabia to make biggest foreign investment in Pakistan's history: Asad Umar

Finance Minister Asad Umar on Thursday said that an incoming investment package from Saudi Arabia, which promises to be "the biggest foreign investment in Pakistan history", will be announced soon.

"The ball is in our court. We have to get cabinet approval next week, after which an announcement will be made," he said, addressing an event in Islamabad.

He added that he keeps getting messages from Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman "through other people to hurry up".

Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have been in talks recently over a bailout package for Islamabad. At a time when various foreign countries and business delegations were pulling out of an investment conference in Saudi after the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, Prime Minister Imran Khan attended the event, inviting foreign investors to put their money into projects in Pakistan.

It was the prime minister's second visit to Saudi Arabia since assuming office, and came as Pakistan was on the lookout for "friendly" nations to court in search of billions of dollar to shore up its deteriorating finances in the face of a balance of payments crisis and talks with the International Monetary Fund over a possible bailout.

'People keep asking when we will jail thieves'
The finance minister, responding to a question, said that he keeps being asked "When will you jail the thieves? This is the demand of the people of Pakistan," he added.

Umar said that he had attended a dinner in Karachi on Sunday with members of Pakistan's business, corporate and executive elite, who had advised him to school Imran Khan "to look forward now and stop harping on about corruption".

"But wherever I come across a Pakistani citizen, they ask me, 'When will you jail the thieves?'," he said. "This class divide has always existed."

"It's a challenge, it's a double-edged sword. You've made a commitment for bringing accountability into society, which demands that if a pickpocket goes to jail for stealing, so does the person who loots the public. It is the leadership's responsibility to ensure that such a situation is not created, that a negative outlook does not prevail."

The minister said that the government is committed to the welfare of the people, Radio Pakistan reported.

He said that the government is focusing on economic revival in order to deliver, and that citizens would soon see "visible improvement".

https://www.dawn.com/news/1451201/s...estment-in-pakistans-history-finance-minister

 

[Madplayer]

Dependence on Wahabi leadership isnt good in long term.

 

[Mamoon]

From CPEC to SBEC.

 

[Varun]

This is going to end well.

 

[Bewal Express]

Dependence on Wahabi leadership isnt good in long term.

When the AZ and the Sharifs have left the country bankrupt, what choice do you have? I hope they build an oil refinery, that alone would reduce our import bill by a $2bn a year.

 

[Cpt. Rishwat]

Dependence on Wahabi leadership isnt good in long term.

Pakistan could really use some favourable term investment from outside of Wahabi countries, can you think of any countries or organisations which might provide it?

 

[King-Misbah]

Pakistan could really use some favourable term investment from outside of Wahabi countries, can you think of any countries or organisations which might provide it?

It is easy to talk but harder to practically provide alternagives.

 

[Madplayer]

When the AZ and the Sharifs have left the country bankrupt, what choice do you have? I hope they build an oil refinery, that alone would reduce our import bill by a $2bn a year.

Pakistan could really use some favourable term investment from outside of Wahabi countries, can you think of any countries or organisations which might provide it?

It is easy to talk but harder to practically provide alternagives.

I know there arent many alternatives but it doesnt hurt to point out that ties with extremists are not always great.

 

[Hadi Rizvi]

Dependence on Wahabi leadership isnt good in long term.

Its more of a favour than dependence.

I mean I'm not a fan of them but a favour is overdue if you ask me.

 

[Cpt. Rishwat]

I know there arent many alternatives but it doesnt hurt to point out that ties with extremists are not always great.

That goes without saying, but as our Indian friends are always rightly pointing out, money rules in the age of Capitalism over principle. It will be up to the Pakistan govt to manage Saudi expectation, and in Imran Khan Pakistan at least has a man with character and moral fibre to do so.

 

[Napa]

If SA invests in productive assets such as oil refineries etc., then it will help Pakistan in the long term.

If the SA "investment" is used to pay for imports then Pakistan is merely adding more debt, and this time to a very dubious country.

 

[yasir]

Dependence on Wahabi leadership isnt good in long term.

From CPEC to SBEC.

Just don't go to Saudi Consulate for Signing

Maybe we can ask Yemen how its working out?

 

[enkidu_]

I know there arent many alternatives but it doesnt hurt to point out that ties with extremists are not always great.

MBS himself is against those "extremists", 100s of Saudi scholars (many prominent ones as well) have been sent to jail for criticizing his secular "reformism".

 

[Varun]

MBS himself is against those "extremists", 100s of Saudi scholars (many prominent ones as well) have been sent to jail for criticizing his secular "reformism".

8,670 - 13,000 people in Yemen wholeheartedly agree.

/Sarcasm

 

[MenInG]

So when they were investing in India it was great news...

 

[Gabbar Singh]

Don't see what the problem is - not every Saudi overseas investment turns out like Yemen or Lebanon where your leaders are forced to sell your soul to the Saudi masters. If you treat it like any other foreign investment with checks and balances etc then why wouldn't you take their money?

 

[tonmoy]

MBS himself is against those "extremists", 100s of Saudi scholars (many prominent ones as well) have been sent to jail for criticizing his secular "reformism".

When did this happen? Do you have proof?

He did put a lot of rich Saudi's (who were supposedly against MBS) under Hotel Arrest. He than extorted money from those rich Saudis. Used some of those money to buy himself a 500 million dollar yatch and a beautiful palace in France.

 

[tonmoy]

Personally I would take all the Saudi Investment I can get...... Saudis have managed to export their Wahabi ideology to Pakistan. The worst is already done.....

 

[Pakistanian]

8,670 - 13,000 people in Yemen wholeheartedly agree.

/Sarcasm

What Saudis doing in Yemen is condemnable but why do you care as an Indian? India has murdered over 90,000 Kashmiris.

 

[Varun]

What Saudis doing in Yemen is condemnable but why do you care as an Indian? India has murdered over 90,000 Kashmiris.

Drill it into your head: I don't care about anybody, nobody cares about me, and you don't need either to present statistics on a web forum.

 

[Zeeraq]

Saudi, Emirati crown princes to visit Pakistan in early 2019

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman and UAE's Crown Prince Mohammad bin Zayed bin Sultan al Nahyan will visit Pakistan in early 2019, Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry announced on Thursday.

The information minister, who was addressing a press briefing following a meeting of the federal cabinet, revealed that the crown prince of the UAE will visit in January, while the crown prince of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia will visit Pakistan in February.

After taking the oath, Prime Minister Khan had made his maiden visit to the Middle Eastern countries — Saudi Arab and UAE. During his meeting with the Royals, the prime minister discussed matters of regional and bilateral interest. The leaders also talked about economic relations between the two countries.

The Saudi Crown Prince had hosted a dinner for Imran Khan and discussed ways to strengthen bilateral relations as well as steps that can be taken to enhance cooperation in political, defence, economic, commercial and cultural sectors.

It was then that the premier had extended an invitation for the crown prince to visit Pakistan, which he had accepted.

Cabinet deliberations

The information minister said the federal cabinet discussed a large number of matters pertaining to various sectors ranging from industry, finance, and aviation.

Talking about an incoming investment package from Saudi Arabia, which promises to be "the biggest foreign investment in Pakistan history", the minister said the draft for a memorandum of understanding will be finalised within a week.

Recently, at a time when various countries and business delegations were pulling out of an investment conference in Saudi following the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, Prime Minister Imran Khan had attended the event, inviting foreign investors to put their money into projects in Pakistan.


https://www.dawn.com/news/1452595/saudi-emirati-crown-princes-to-visit-pakistan-in-early-2019

 

[Yossarian]

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman and UAE's Crown Prince Mohammad bin Zayed bin Sultan al Nahyan will visit Pakistan in early 2019, Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry announced on Thursday.]

Hopefully by then there will be an international warrant out for someone who orders murder that involves luring the victim to a Consulate of an Embassy and then hacking the victim to pieces with a bone saw. Sure to make him wary of stepping foot outside his country or getting on a plane that is likely to leave Saudi airspace

 

[PakLFC]

As long as they don't force their oppressive brand of Islam it can only be good news. By the way investment does not equal begging as many people think.

 

[MenInG]

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have finalised the terms and conditions of a support package of about $6.2 billion expected to be announced by Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan during his visit to the country starting on Sunday (Jan 6) to help Islamabad address its balance of payments challenge.

The package involves $3.2bn worth of oil supplies on deferred payment, besides a $3bn cash deposit, a cabinet member told Dawn.

He said the UAE’s package was exactly of the same size and terms and conditions as given by Saudi Arabia. The UAE package was finalised on Thursday evening, he said.

With this, Pakistan would get a total saving of about $7.9bn on oil and gas imports from the two friendly countries — accounting for more than 60 per cent of annual oil import bill of about $12-13bn, he said. This includes about $3.2bn each of oil supplies on deferred payments from the UAE and Saudi Arabia and about $1.5bn trade finance from the International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC).

The total financing support from the UAE and Saudi Arabia, including the ITFC’s trade finance, would be around $13.9-14bn when cash deposits of $3bn each from the two countries were also included, he said.

This is in addition to a deep-conversion oil refinery to be set up by Parco — a joint venture of Pakistan and Abdu Dhabi — worth $5-6bn at Khalifa Point and an expected petro-chemical complex by Saudi Arabia at Gwadar Oil City.

On top of that, the government has also started backchannel discussions with Qatar for some relief in terms of reduction in LNG prices or a relaxed payment schedule, but that is now at an early stage.

In reply to a question, the cabinet member said Pak*istan was deepening relationships with all three friendly Islamic nations without compromising bilateral ties for geo-political reasons.

He said the UAE crown prince would be paying a two-day visit, adding that all arrangements had been finalised in this regard.

He said Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman was expected to arrive in the country in the first week of February and an MoU for establishing a petro-chemical complex was still being worked out on the request of Riyadh.

Pakistan has already received $2bn in cash deposit from Saudi Arabia at an interest rate of 3.18pc while the third tranche of $1bn is due in the first week of February. The Saudi oil facility would also start rolling out this month with an average $274 million per month.

Pakistan is currently importing about eight cargoes of LNG every month, costing $4.2 to $4.5bn a year and more than one-third of this could be financed through ITCF support. With support from Qatar, Pakistan is expecting about $9bn cushion in total oil and gas import bill.

https://www.dawn.com/news/1455585/pakistan-uae-finalise-62bn-support-package

 

[Abdullah719]

Microsoft to explore investment opportunities in Pakistan: Bill Gates

ISLAMABAD: Billionaire Bill Gates has said that his multinational technology company, Microsoft Corporation, could explore the investment opportunities in Pakistan.

Gates expressed the desire in a letter delivered to Prime Minister Imran Khan by Dr Christopher Elias, President of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation’s Global Development Division, in a meeting on Tuesday.

He was accompanying WHO’s Director General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus and WHO’s Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean Region Dr Ahmed Al-Mandhari.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">The DG of WHO <a href="https://twitter.com/DrTedros?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DrTedros</a>, President of BMGF <a href="https://twitter.com/ChrisJElias?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ChrisJElias</a> & other senior delegates met the PM just a few moments ago. HM <a href="https://twitter.com/Aamer_KianiPTI?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Aamer_KianiPTI</a> was also present. Issues ranging from Polio Eradication to various Health subjects were discussed during the sitting which lasted for 40 minutes. <a href="https://t.co/29iNloIUtP">pic.twitter.com/29iNloIUtP</a></p>— Babar Atta (@babarbinatta) <a href="https://twitter.com/babarbinatta/status/1082597006311415808?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 8, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Elias further said that the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation would continue to invest in Pakistan for the eradication of poliovirus and improvement of healthcare system.

The prime minister said Pakistan continues to tackle polio eradication as a national public health emergency.

“Polio vaccination activities are well organised in close collaboration with the provinces and are directly overseen by the national, provincial and divisional task forces,” he said.

Imran welcomed the WHO director general and his delegation to Pakistan, saying Pakistan appreciates the role of WHO in the healthcare system. “The government is determined to implement a transformative social and economic agenda for a ‘New Pakistan’”, he added.

He reiterated his commitment to move forward on sustainable development agenda. He expressed his government’s commitment for eradication of polio from the country.

The prime minister expressed his hope that the WHO would continue as a reliable partner in our efforts to improve healthcare system for all in Pakistan.

Dr Adhanom congratulated the prime minister on his victory in the recent general elections.

Separately, the delegation also called on Foreign Shah Mehmood Qureshi where they briefed him on WHO’s enhanced focus on public health, country-level impacts, ongoing programmes/projects in Pakistan aimed at improving people’s access to health related matters.

WHO Director General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus also shared that WHO had intensified its activities in coordination with the government of Pakistan for polio eradication.

As a result of enhancement efforts, polio from Pakistan would likely be eliminated by end of 2019. He reiterated that the WHO would continue its support to the efforts of government of Pakistan to improve healthcare in the country.

The foreign minister said the WHO had been playing a very important role in the health sector of Pakistan. With regards to polio eradication efforts by the government, the foreign minister emphasised that collaborative efforts at national, provincial and local levels would help in elimination of the disease and make Pakistan a zero polio country.

The foreign minister reiterated that the government remains committed to ensuring provision of quality health facilities to all people at all levels. He assured the delegation of full support in polio eradication and implementation of other health programmes in Pakistan in the days to come.

https://tribune.com.pk/story/188404...investment-opportunities-pakistan-bill-gates/