S Arabia sets sights on Balochistan's minerals

QUETTA BUREAU —Saudi Arabia has expressed interest in investing in Balochistan's mineral, energy, agriculture and industrial sectors, while also exploring employment opportunities for the province's skilled workforce in the kingdom. The interest was conveyed by Prince Mansour bin Mohammad Al Saud, Chairman of the Saudi-Pakistan Joint Business Council, during a meeting with a high-level Balochistan government delegation in Karachi.

The prince was accompanied by a 10-member Saudi business delegation. The meeting was led by Balochistan Board of Investment and Trade (BBoIT) Vice Chairman Bilal Khan Kakar, while Balochistan Technical Education and Vocational Training Authority (BTEVTA) Managing Director Abdul Kabeer Zarkoon and Lasbela Industrial Estates Development Authority (LIEDA) Managing Director Liaqat Kashani also attended.

The Saudi delegation was briefed on investment opportunities and development projects across the province, including a low-BTU gas-based urea fertiliser complex, a ferrochrome plant, industrial development through LIEDA, the blue economy, olive cultivation, livestock farming, and projects in the minerals and energy sectors.

Prince Mansour expressed his commitment to exploring investment initiatives and participating in projects ready for launch in Balochistan. He also assured the provincial government that efforts would be expedited to create employment opportunities in Saudi Arabia for skilled workers from the province, describing the initiative as a special gift to the Balochistan government.

Kakar said the province offered considerable investment potential owing to its natural resources and economic capacity. He said investment across minerals, energy, agriculture, livestock, coastal economy and industry could stimulate economic activity and generate employment locally. He said Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti envisioned transforming Balochistan into a major national and international hub for investment and trade.

The provincial government, he added, was committed to facilitating investors and creating a business-friendly environment. Kakar invited the Saudi delegation to explore the province's investment prospects and assured them that the BBoIT would facilitate the identification of suitable projects, coordinate with relevant government departments and provide support throughout the investment process.