The Government of Pakistan is organizing the Pakistan-Saudi Business Forum, scheduled for January 14, 2026, in Riyadh, in collaboration with the Ministry of Investment, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and the Federation of Saudi Chambers. The forum is designed to present Pakistan’s most promising investment-ready joint venture opportunities to leading Saudi businesses and investors, with a special focus on the energy sector. Sources indicate that the Special Investment Facilitation Council has requested the Ministry of Energy (Power Division) to submit relevant information on companies by November 30, 2025. This data will allow for proper screening, consolidation, and preparation of sectoral portfolios to be shared with Saudi partners, particularly highlighting ten private sector expansion and joint venture projects in power.
The targeted projects span areas such as renewable energy, including solar, wind, biomass, and small hydel solutions, grid modernization and transmission infrastructure, energy storage and smart metering solutions, distributed generation and micro-grids, power equipment manufacturing, energy efficiency technologies, and other related areas. Each project will follow a prescribed information template to ensure uniformity and ease of evaluation. Additionally, SIFC has requested a business directory of the top twenty leading companies, which will facilitate targeted B2B matchmaking with Saudi investors and promote collaboration between the two countries.
Pakistan’s energy sector profile is also being compiled to include the current energy mix, generation capacity, demand projections, transmission and distribution infrastructure overview, privatization initiatives, investment facilitation policies, renewable energy potential, regulatory environment, and key collaboration opportunities. The same information will be reflected on an online portal similar to the one used for the earlier China-related business forum. The compiled Pakistan Energy & Petroleum Investment Portfolio 2026 is expected to be shared with Saudi ministries, chambers, conglomerates, and investors participating in the forum by November 25, 2025.
Recent developments have underscored the importance of timely resolution of investment-related issues. A few months ago, the Saudi Minister expressed concerns over the treatment of existing investors to the Pakistan Ambassador in Riyadh. During a June 24, 2025 meeting with Saudi Assistant Minister of Investment Ibrahim Al-Mubarak, unresolved matters, particularly relating to KE, were highlighted as potentially affecting Pakistan’s investment credibility and future Saudi commitments. The discussion emphasized that delays could increase Pakistan’s investment risk profile, elevate insurance costs, and reduce projected returns. Pakistan’s Ambassador reassured the Saudi side that internal consultations are ongoing, with Deputy Prime Minister Dar personally leading the matter. The recent resolution of Makhdoom Logistics’ case was cited as an example of progress in addressing investor concerns.
The Pakistan-Saudi Business Forum is seen as a significant step in strengthening economic ties, showcasing Pakistan’s energy and clean energy potential, and facilitating targeted joint ventures that benefit both countries. By presenting structured investment portfolios, sectoral insights, and B2B opportunities, Pakistan aims to reinforce investor confidence and enhance collaboration in strategic sectors, particularly renewable energy, infrastructure, and power generation. The forum also positions Pakistan as a proactive partner in the region for sustainable investment and growth.
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