annashay 
Prime Minister’s upcoming visit to Riyadh from October 27 to 29 to attend the Ninth Edition of the Future Investment Initiative (FII9) represents a strategically significant moment for Pakistan’s economic diplomacy. At a time when the country seeks to stabilize its macroeconomic fundamentals and attract sustainable foreign investment, the gathering in Saudi Arabia offers a powerful platform to showcase Pakistan’s economic potential to some of the world’s most influential investors, policymakers, and innovators.
The FII, often described as “Davos in the Desert,” has emerged as one of the most consequential global forums for exploring new economic frontiers. Under the theme “The Key to Prosperity: Unlocking New Frontiers of Growth,” FII9 will bring together heads of state, corporate leaders, investment funds, technology pioneers, and development experts. For Pakistan, which stands at a critical economic juncture, this is an opportunity not just to make a case for foreign investment, but to reposition itself as a reliable and forward-looking economic partner.
The Prime Minister’s high-level delegation, which includes Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister ???? ????? ??? and senior cabinet ministers, signals the seriousness with which Islamabad is approaching this engagement. Economic diplomacy is no longer an optional tool but an essential pillar of statecraft. Pakistan’s participation at this level indicates that the government is committed to moving beyond rhetoric and towards concrete partnerships in investment, trade, and technology.
A key focus of the Prime Minister’s discussions in Riyadh will be deepening cooperation with Saudi Arabia in sectors such as energy, trade, investment, and human resource development. Historically, Saudi Arabia has been one of Pakistan’s closest strategic and economic partners. It is home to millions of Pakistani workers, a major source of remittances, and a trusted ally in times of economic difficulty. Over the past few years, Riyadh’s own Vision 2030 has transformed the Kingdom into a hub of ambitious investment and diversification projects. Pakistan can benefit tremendously by aligning its own development agenda with Saudi Arabia’s long-term plans.
In this context, the timing of the visit is crucial. Pakistan is in a phase of relative macroeconomic stabilization – inflation has fallen from record highs, the policy rate has been reduced, and foreign exchange reserves have stabilized. But sustaining this stability requires more than short-term measures or reliance on IMF programs. It requires large-scale, long-term foreign direct investment that can create jobs, boost exports, and integrate Pakistan into global value chains. The FII provides a unique opportunity to make that case before the world’s leading investment decision-makers.
The thematic discussions at FII9 – on innovation, sustainability, economic inclusion, and geopolitical shifts – also align closely with Pakistan’s priorities. As the world economy undergoes structural transformations driven by technology, green energy, and shifting trade corridors, Pakistan must adapt quickly to remain relevant. Engagement with investors and policymakers in Riyadh could help Islamabad secure investment in renewable energy, IT, digital services, infrastructure, and human capital development – areas critical for sustainable economic growth.
Importantly, the sidelines of such summits often prove just as significant as the main sessions. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is expected to hold meetings with Crown Prince ???? ?? ????? and other Saudi leaders to strengthen bilateral ties. Additionally, his planned interactions with leaders from other participating countries and heads of international organizations could open new channels for economic cooperation beyond the Gulf region.
The visit also carries a strong symbolic message. It underscores Pakistan’s renewed emphasis on economic diplomacy – a shift from over-reliance on security narratives to a focus on growth, innovation, and global integration. In an era where nations compete not only on the strength of their armies but also on the strength of their economies, this reorientation is both necessary and overdue.
However, the real measure of success will not be in the headlines generated during the summit but in the follow-up actions taken once the delegation returns home. For years, Pakistan has signed memoranda of understanding worth billions of dollars, only to see them languish in bureaucratic red tape or political instability. To convert commitments into investments, Islamabad must ensure policy consistency, regulatory transparency, and investor confidence. Projects agreed upon with Saudi or other international investors must be implemented with urgency and professionalism.
Another critical factor will be the role of the private sector. Governments can facilitate and negotiate, but sustainable investment flows depend on private enterprises. Encouraging Pakistani businesses to build joint ventures with Saudi and other foreign investors will be essential to creating a durable economic partnership. Likewise, improving the ease of doing business, ensuring stable taxation, and offering predictable policies will strengthen Pakistan’s investment proposition.
Furthermore, this visit is an opportunity to highlight Pakistan’s role as a regional connector. With its geographic position linking South Asia, Central Asia, the Middle East, and China, Pakistan can serve as a trade and energy corridor. By presenting credible infrastructure and energy projects, the government can attract strategic investments that enhance regional connectivity and contribute to shared prosperity.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s participation in FII9 is more than a diplomatic visit – it is an opportunity to rebrand Pakistan as a country ready for investment, innovation, and inclusive growth. But seizing this opportunity requires more than speeches. It requires a commitment to structural reforms at home, efficient follow-up on investment commitments, and the creation of an environment where investors feel secure and confident.
If Pakistan succeeds in turning Riyadh’s conversations into concrete investment flows, this visit could mark a turning point in the country’s economic trajectory. If not, it risks becoming another missed opportunity in a long list of unfulfilled promises. The stakes, therefore, are high – and so is the potential.
