SIFC is an honorable option that would change dynamics of Pak-Gulf relations, reports Arab News

Monitoring Desk: For the first time in its decades of foreign relations with Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, and China, Pakistan is not asking for money but offering workable and sustainable business opportunities through the SIFC, reports Arab News.

In the article “India-Middle East Engagement Should Make Pakistan Rethink International Relations”, the writer explained the history of Pakistan’s relations with Middle Eastern friends stating that Pakistan’s style of being “always in need” somehow or others frustrates its traditional relations with Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar and other gulf states. The writer is of the view that for the first time in its 50-plus years of foreign relations with Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, and China, Pakistan has something in its hands that is tangible and a respectful way of asking for support through the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC).

The writer is of the view that the global future is based on economic blocs instead of political blocs as the 21^st century is different from the 20^th century because in post–the Cold War period, the world there was no “bloc leader” who would bail them out of their economic or strategic crises.

It may be mentioned that the Pakistan Foreign Office is already briefing resident Diplomatic Missions in Islamabad on the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) and the Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Government Effectiveness Dr. Jehanzeb Khan recently gave a detailed presentation to the diplomatic corps on the establishment and various aspects of the Council. Pakistan is presenting SIFC’s outreach strategy to achieve global traction and ongoing engagements with brotherly/friendly countries including productive visits of high-level delegations from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Islamic Organization for Food Security (IOFS).

Pakistan is hopeful that SIFC initiatives will help to take the country out of the sluggish economic situation and help maintain the positive trajectory towards the revival of the country’s economy. Pakistan through SIFC is offering foreign investment in critical sectors of Agriculture / Livestock, Mining / Minerals, IT, and Energy.