Albaik confirmed its expansion into Pakistan, a government statement said after Commerce Minister Jam Kamal Khan met with Saudi Arabia’s popular food chain’s owner Rami Abu Ghazala in Jeddah.

“The process is in its final stages following the signing of an MoU,” it said, “the first Albaik branches in Pakistan are expected to open soon, creating new job opportunities and strengthening economic ties between the two nations.”

The minister appreciated the contributions of Pakistani workers within Saudi businesses like Albaik and welcomed the brand’s entry into Pakistan, highlighting its potential to enhance the country’s fast-food industry and consumer market.

In another meeting, Kamal met with Pakistani investors and business leaders based in Jeddah, recognizing their decades-long contributions to Saudi Arabia’s economic landscape. He acknowledged that 1.7 million Pakistanis travelled to Saudi Arabia in the past five years, making it the top destination for Pakistani emigrants.

The minister also highlighted the $7.4 billion in remittances sent from Saudi Arabia last fiscal year, emphasising the financial link between the two countries. He noted that the Pakistan Investor Forum was “playing a key role” in guiding new market entrants and fostering Pakistani-Saudi business collaborations.

He 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.

In a key meeting with Saudi businessmen, the commerce minister invited them to explore investment opportunities in Pakistan across energy, agriculture, IT, healthcare, infrastructure, and consumer goods.

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.

Saudi business leaders expressed “keen interest” in collaborating with Pakistani counterparts, particularly in construction materials, textiles, and food industries. Several proposals were discussed to enhance trade partnerships and industrial investment, with the Minister extending an invitation for them to visit Pakistan and participate in trade exhibitions like TEXPO, Food-AG, and the Healthcare & Mineral Show.