Business forum planned for January by Pakistan and Saudi Arabia

ISLAMABAD: The Government of Pakistan is organising Pakistan-Saudi Business Forum scheduled to be held on January 14, 2026 in Riyadh, in collaboration with the Ministry of Investment, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), and the Federation of Saudi Chambers, sources told Business Recorder.

The Forum aims to showcase Pakistan’s most promising investment-ready Joint Venture (JV) opportunities to leading Saudi businesses and investors.

In this regard, Special Investment Facilitation Council has requested Ministry of Energy (Power Division) to provide the requisite information about the companies by November 30, 2025, to enable timely screening, consolidation and preparation of sectoral portfolios for presentation to Saudi partners: ten private sector expansion /joint venture projects in the power sector.

Pakistan, Saudi Arabia agree to launch Economic Cooperation Framework

These projects may include: (i) renewable energy (solar, wind, biomass, small hydel) ;( ii) grid modernization and transmission infrastructure ;( iii) energy storage and smart metering solutions ;(iv) distributed generation and micro-grids ;(v) power equipment manufacturing and localisation ;(vi) energy efficiency and conservation technologies ;(v) each project may be submitted using the prescribed project information template.

SIFC has sought business directory of top twenty leading companies. This directory will support targeted B2B matchmaking with Saudi investors.

Sector profile of Pakistan’s energy industry. The profile may include: (i) current energy mix, generation capacity, and demand projections;(ii) transmission and distribution infrastructure overview ;(iii) privatization initiatives and investment facilitation policies ;(iv) renewable energy potential (solar, wind, hydro) ;(v) reforms, incentives, and the regulatory environment; and (vi) key opportunities for Saudi-Pakistan collaboration in power and clean energy.

The same information will be reflected on online portal (on similar lines of earlier China-related business forum). The requested inputs are essential for preparing Pakistan Energy & Petroleum Investment Portfolio 2026, which will be shared by November 25, 2025 with Saudi ministries, chambers, conglomerates, and investors participating in the Business Forum.

A couple of months ago, Saudi Minister had conveyed his government’s displeasure with Pakistan Ambassador to Riyadh on the treatment of existing investors.

The sources said, Pakistan’s Ambassador in Riyadh met with Saudi Assistant Minister of Investment Ibrahim Al-Mubarak on June 24, 2025 during which the latter stressed that further delays in resolution of issues related to KE are damaging Pakistan’s investment credibility and could impact future Saudi commitments. He warned that unresolved issues could increase Pakistan’s investment risk profile, elevate insurance costs, and reduce projected returns. He added that Al-Jomaih holds significant influence in the Saudi investment community, and any negative experience could deter others from entering the Pakistani market.

He also mentioned that 34 B2B Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) were signed in October 2024 between Saudi and Pakistani companies—several of which are now under reconsideration due to the ongoing dispute.

In response, Pakistan’s Ambassador reassured the Saudi side that internal consultations are underway and a follow-up meeting is expected by mid-July.

He emphasized that Deputy Prime Minister Dar is personally leading the matter, citing the recent resolution of Makhdoom Logistics’ case as a sign of progress, the sources added.