Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have signed 27 memorandums of understanding (MoUs), marking over $2.2 billion in pledged investments. These agreements, made during a Saudi investment delegation’s recent visit, span sectors like energy, agriculture, IT, health, education, and mining.
One of the major initiatives is the White Oil Pipeline, expected to enhance petroleum transport in Pakistan by 2025. Additionally, a 500MW hybrid power project using solar and wind energy is slated to start in early 2025.
Saudi Arabia is also committing $70 million to Pakistan’s agricultural sector by 2025, aiming to boost production and exports. In IT, phased projects include an e-education initiative and the rollout of a cybersecurity plan from 2024 to 2025 to safeguard digital infrastructure.
The industrial sector will see new textile and surgical equipment factories in both countries by 2025. In mining, Saudi investments will target Pakistan’s rich deposits of copper, gold, and rare metals. Plans for a semiconductor manufacturing facility, with initial completion by 2026, are also on the horizon, along with efforts to boost Pakistan’s electronics industry.
The MoUs cover various education initiatives, with projects commencing in 2025, focusing on technical and vocational training to develop a skilled workforce.
Before the projects can begin, feasibility studies need approval. Once cleared, financing agreements will be finalized, followed by the signing of formal contracts, paving the way for implementation.