The Commercial Session of Pakistan Consulate General Jeddah organised an interactive session with Pakistani businessmen based in Saudi Arabia and Saudi Importers on the occasion of the visit of Mr Atif Ikram Sheikh, President of the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) to Saudi Arabia. Mr Khalid Majid, Consul General of Pakistan, and other senior Consulate and Commercial Section officials attended the session.
In his remarks, Mr. Atif Ikram Sheikh, President FPCCI, indicated that Saudi Arabia is the most potential market for Pakistan’s exports of cereal, textiles, pharmaceuticals, medical equipment, leather, fruits and vegetables, etc. An aggressive market, regular interaction of the business community, exchange of trade delegates, and holding of trade fairs and exhibitions can enhance Pakistan’s share in Saudi Arabia’s trade. He hoped that with the implementation of the Pak-GCC Trade Agreement, Pakistan’s trade in the Gulf market would flourish. Mr Atif Ikram also shared his plan to host a ‘Made in Pakistan’ exhibition in Saudi Arabia later this year. He also appreciated Pakistani expatriates for contributing to Saudi Arabia’s economy and regularly sending foreign exchange to Pakistan.
The Consul General of Pakistan underscored the burgeoning Saudi economy and assured full support for the Federation’s initiatives to promote Pakistan’s key sectors, recognising it as the apex body of the private sector in Pakistan. Additionally, the Commercial Section provided insights into the trends and standards of the Saudi market, guiding Pakistani exporters in formulating strategies tailored for the Kingdom.
The discussion also focused on understanding the scope and opportunities in the Saudi market for Pakistani companies, identifying challenges and barriers faced by importers when placing orders with Pakistan, and devising a strategic plan to enhance Pakistan’s exports to Saudi Arabia. The business people attendees include importers and dealers from the Food Sector, textiles, hotel supplies, sanitaryware, building material and marketing & adv. sectors.
The participants unanimously acknowledged the interaction’s mutually beneficial and productive nature, emphasising the potential for enhancing Pakistani exports to Saudi Arabia as a key outcome of the meeting.
Mr Karim Aziz Malik, Chairman of FPCCI Capital Office and Former Vice President of FPCCI and Malik Sohail Hussain, Chairman of Coordination, accompanied the President of FPCCI during the visit to Saudi Arabia.
It is worth mentioning here that President FPCCI’s visit is at the Saudi Government’s invitation, and the President of the Islamic Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture (ICCIA), Sheikh Abdullah Saleh Kamel, participated in the Makkah Halal Forum.