Saudi Arabia’s popular fast-food chain AlBaik is set to make its debut in Pakistan with the agreement now in its final stages moreover branches to open soon, creating job opportunities and boosting trade ties.
Saudi fast-food chain Albaik has confirmed its expansion into Pakistan, stating that the process is in its final stages following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).During the meeting with AlBaik’s ownr Rami Abu Ghazala in Jeddah, Commerce Minister Jam Kamal KhanJam Kamal Khan and Abu Ghazala discussed the operational framework and potential locations for AlBaik’s branches across major Pakistani cities. The Minister was given a tour of Albaik’s operations, where he met Pakistani employees working at the fast-food giant. furthermore, the commerce minister who is currently on an official visit to Saudi Arabia also met with prominent Saudi businessmen to explore avenues for strengthening trade ties. However The discussions also touched on Pakistan’s recent ease-of-doing-business initiatives, including Pakistan’s improving business environment, facilitated by initiatives like the Pakistan Single Window system (PSW) and the National Compliance Center (NCC). Moreover he highlighted Pakistan’s 22% export growth to Saudi Arabia, reaching $700 million, and assured Saudi investors of a business-friendly environment with tax exemptions, investor protection laws, and access to a 240-million-strong consumer market. The discussions, held during the first-ever “Made in Pakistan” exhibition, centered on business collaborations, investment opportunities, and Saudi brands entering the Pakistani market.
The Minister also highlighted the $7.4 billion in remittances sent from Saudi Arabia last fiscal year, emphasizing the strong financial link between the two countries. He noted that the Pakistan Investor Forum, recently established in Jeddah, is playing a key role in guiding new market entrants and fostering Pakistani-Saudi business collaborations.
Several proposals were discussed to enhance trade partnerships and industrial investment, with the federal minister extending an invitation for them to visit Pakistan and participate in trade exhibitions like TEXPO, Food-AG, and the Healthcare & Mineral Show
Kamal also encouraged Pakistani investors to leverage the country’s Revised Visa Policy, which allows GCC citizens to enter Pakistan visa-free for up to 90 days, making business travel more convenient. The minister added that with growing Saudi interest in Pakistani industries, increasing trade volumes, and new business partnerships, the Pakistan-Saudi economic corridor is set to expand further, opening exciting opportunities for both countries.