ISLAMABAD: A 30-member trade delegation from Pakistan held productive meetings with their counterparts in Saudi Arabia on Friday to explore the prospects of enhancing business and investment ties between the two countries.

Headed by the President of Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI), Ahmed Hassan Moughal, the group visited the Saudi Export Development Authority (SEDA) for the meetings.

According to a handout circulated by the ICCI on Wednesday, the delegation met with the Deputy Minister of Energy, Industry and Mineral Resources, Abdul Aziz Al-Abdulkarim, and SEDA’s Secretary General, Engineer Saleh S. Al-Solami.

Representatives from both sides held fruitful discussions to explore new ways to increase trade in non-oil products, such as meat, fruits and vegetables, bakery and confectionery, beverages and juices, and cooking oil, to name a few.

Welcoming the delegation, Secretary General Al-Solami said the visit reflected Pakistan’s keen desire to enhance trade and economic cooperation with Saudi Arabia.

He also applauded the strong relationship between the two countries, adding that the leaders of both states wanted to consolidate their relationship for mutual benefit.

It was the first time that members from Pakistan and Saudi’s private sector interacted with each other on such a level. The engagement was facilitated by the Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia in Pakistan which extended its support for the purpose.

The ICCI delegation also visited the Jeddah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (JCCI) and held meetings with Saudi entrepreneurs there. Vice Chairman of JCCI, Sheikh Mazen Al Batterji, welcomed the ICCI delegation and suggested regular exchange of trade missions between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan to explore untapped areas of cooperation between the two countries.

He said that the JCCI would facilitate Pakistani entrepreneurs and help resolve customs issues and trade barriers to further improve trade ties between both the countries.

The ICCI president also observed that both Chambers should work together for trade and investment facilitation. The ICCI also signed an MoU with the JCCI to facilitate frequent interaction between the private sectors of the two countries.