Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s recent visit to Riyadh to attend the 8th Future Investment Initiative (FII) reflects Pakistan’s commitment to fostering international collaboration and advancing economic partnerships. Arriving in Saudi Arabia on a two-day official visit, the Prime Minister was received at King Khalid International Airport by Prince Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Abdulaziz, the Deputy Governor of Riyadh Province. The FII, held under the patronage of King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, has gained recognition as a premier global platform for investment and innovation, attracting leaders from various sectors to discuss and shape the future of investments across multiple domains.
The theme of this year’s initiative, “Infinite Horizons: Investing Today, Shaping Tomorrow,” underscores a collective vision for addressing pressing global challenges through strategic investments. With a focus on areas such as artificial intelligence, robotics, education, energy, healthcare, and sustainability, the conference aims to explore pathways for collaborative investment that can drive sustainable development and economic growth.
In his address at the FII plenary session, PM Shehbaz Sharif highlighted the importance of a knowledge-based economy, asserting that innovation in sectors such as AI, education, and healthcare is essential for Pakistan’s transformative journey. He emphasized Pakistan’s readiness to engage with global investors, stating, “We invite you to invest, to bring your expertise and creativity to Pakistan, as we build a future rooted in resilience and shared prosperity.” His remarks reflect a broader strategy to reposition Pakistan as an attractive destination for foreign investment, particularly in high-tech and emerging sectors.
The Prime Minister’s participation in the FII comes on the heels of significant agreements between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, where MoUs worth over $2 billion were signed during a recent Saudi delegation visit to Islamabad. These agreements aim to bolster investments in key sectors, including agriculture, energy, IT, and advanced manufacturing. The commitment to fostering economic ties was further reinforced by Shehbaz’s emphasis on collective efforts to overcome contemporary challenges, reminding attendees that no single nation can achieve its goals without mutual support and collaboration.
In his speech, Shehbaz emphasized the need for training skilled engineers and data scientists as critical drivers of Pakistan’s AI ambitions. He articulated a vision where AI serves as a transformative force for good, free from biases and actively contributing to economic and social progress. This aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which aims to diversify the Kingdom’s economy and invest in its youth, a shared goal that was praised by the Prime Minister.
During his time in Riyadh, PM Shehbaz engaged in discussions with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, where they assessed ongoing bilateral engagements and reiterated their commitment to strengthening Pakistan-Saudi relations. The Prime Minister expressed gratitude for Saudi Arabia’s support in Pakistan’s economic revival and stability, acknowledging the Kingdom’s pivotal role in regional peace efforts. This meeting highlighted the strategic nature of Pakistan’s relationship with Saudi Arabia, particularly in the context of the ongoing regional dynamics.
The Prime Minister’s visit was also marked by a call for peace and stability in Gaza, underscoring the interconnectedness of global challenges. He asserted that lasting progress and prosperity can only be realized when peace is restored in conflict zones, reflecting Pakistan’s principled stance on regional and global issues.
PM Shehbaz’s arrival in Riyadh, accompanied by a sense of optimism for future collaborations, was communicated through his social media, where he expressed excitement about participating in the conference and reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to further cementing ties with Saudi Arabia. His engagement in high-level discussions and his vision for a collaborative future showcase Pakistan’s aspiration to not only attract investments but also to become an integral part of the global dialogue on sustainable development and innovation.
In summary, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s visit to the 8th Future Investment Initiative in Riyadh marks a significant step in enhancing Pakistan’s economic partnerships, particularly with Saudi Arabia. His emphasis on innovation, collaboration, and sustainable development positions Pakistan as a proactive player in the global investment landscape, committed to building a resilient and prosperous future through collective efforts.