ISLAMABAD, Pakistan: The Designate to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Lt. General (retd) Bilal Akbar made a courtesy call on the Federal Minister for Finance, Revenue, Industries and Production Muhammad Hammad Azhar at the Finance Division in Islamabad on Tuesday.
The finance minister welcomed the ambassador-designate and wished him success in his new assignment.
Hammad Azhar said that Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have enjoyed historical relations over the years, and these bilateral ties are rooted in centuries-old religious, cultural, and commercial links between the people of both Countries. He said that the people of Pakistan have great respect and reverence for the Kingdom being the custodian of the Two Holy Mosques.
Moreover, he said that a large number of Pakistani expatriates are working in different fields and have made a significant contribution in building infrastructure. Besides, the Pakistani diaspora is also serving as doctors, bankers, entrepreneurs, academia, etc, and remit valuable remittances back home. He said that the Pakistani diaspora in Saudi Arabia is a great asset for the Country.
The finance minister said that the government has taken initiatives such as Roshan Digital Accounts to facilitate non-resident Pakistanis for making investment in Pakistan. He added that a large number of Pakistanis, based in Saudi Arabia, have opened online accounts and benefited from the scheme.
The ambassador-designate briefed the finance minister on the vast potential for expanding bilateral trade and investment between the two Countries.
The finance minister stressed to further strengthen the investment & business linkages to its full potential and facilitate Pakistani diaspora abroad.
