Pakistan’s first-ever solo “Made in Pakistan” exhibition was inaugurated on February 5 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, showcasing Pakistan’s diverse trade and investment potential. The expo marked a significant step towards strengthening trade ties between the two nations.
The exhibition, organized by the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) and the Ministry of Commerce, features 137 Pakistani companies and runs from February 5 to 7, 2025, at the Jeddah Center for Exhibitions & Events.
Minister highlights Pakistan-Saudi trade opportunities
In his keynote address, Pakistan’s Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan emphasized the importance of enhancing bilateral economic cooperation and showcasing Pakistan’s diverse industrial potential. The exhibition highlights a range of Pakistani products, including textiles, sports goods, light engineering, food items, and construction materials, aiming to tap into the lucrative Saudi market.
“This event is a testament to the enduring relationship between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, rooted in shared faith, cultural ties, and strategic partnership,” Minister Jam Kamal Khan said. He further expressed his gratitude to Saudi Arabia for its unwavering support in organizing the event, which serves as a platform for connecting Pakistani businesses with Saudi and international buyers.
Saudi Assistant Minister of Investment Ibrahim Almubarak, and Hassan Moejeb Alhwaiz, Chairperson of the Council of Saudi Chambers, were among the distinguished Saudi business leaders, who attended the event along with Pakistani business leaders.
Pakistan’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Ahmad Farooq, underscored the importance of the Pak-Saudi relationship. He also extended his gratitude to the Saudi leadership for their continued support of the “Made in Pakistan” exhibition.
Pakistan’s evolving Industrial base
Pakistan’s evolving industrial base, coupled with its dynamic economy, offers significant opportunities for collaboration, particularly in sectors such as food security, energy, mining, and human resource development. The minister underscored that Pakistan’s government is committed to fostering an investment-driven environment, positioning Saudi Arabia, with its ambitious Vision 2030, as an ideal partner to benefit from these opportunities.
“We are dedicated to fostering an investment-driven environment, and Saudi Arabia, with its Vision 2030, is ideally positioned to benefit from these opportunities,” Khan stated.
The expo comes on the heels of enhanced business-to-business (B2B) relations, with both countries signing 34 memorandums of understanding and agreements worth $2.8 billion during Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s visit to Riyadh last October with ongoing discussions on business proposals in sectors like energy, mining, agriculture, and human resources development.. These agreements aim to strengthen private sector collaboration and commercial partnerships between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.
Key Features of ‘Made in Pakistan’ Expo in Jeddah
- 137 Companies: The expo featured a diverse range of Pakistani industries including textiles, sports goods, engineering, food, and construction materials.
- Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030: The event aligns with Saudi Arabia’s economic reforms to diversify and attract foreign investments.
- B2B Engagement: The expo was a platform to connect Pakistani businesses with potential buyers and investors from Saudi Arabia and beyond.
- Football Manufacturing Industry: Highlighted Pakistan’s legacy in producing footballs for FIFA events, with a focus on FIFA 2034.
Mr. Abdulaziz Alsakran, GAFT’s DG of International Relations participated in "Made in Pakistan 2025" Business Exhibition, attended by His Excellency the Minister of Commerce of the Republic of Pakistan, Mr. Jam Kamal, along with officials from both countries in #Jeddah. pic.twitter.com/vZzjYaWMjv
— هيئة التجارة الخارجية (@gaft_sa) February 6, 2025
The event is a powerful symbol of the growing economic partnership between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia and opens new avenues for collaboration in trade, investment, and industry.
Pakistan’s football manufacturing industry
The exhibition also placed a spotlight on Pakistan’s globally renowned football manufacturing industry. Minister Khan proudly showcased the country’s role in producing footballs for FIFA events, noting that Pakistani-made footballs, including the Brazuca, Telstar, and Al-Rihla, have been used in previous World Cup tournaments. He expressed confidence that Pakistan would continue to play a significant role in FIFA’s 2034 World Cup.
“From Brazuca to Telstar to Al-Rihla, Pakistani footballs have a rich history with FIFA. We look forward to contributing to FIFA 2034,” Khan remarked.
Pakistan-Saudi collaboration
Minister Khan also praised the contributions of the 2.7 million-strong Pakistani diaspora in Saudi Arabia, which he described as the cornerstone of the countries’ bilateral ties. Over the past five years, more than 1.7 million Pakistani workers have migrated to Saudi Arabia, making it the top destination for Pakistani immigrants. Khan highlighted the need for joint efforts in skill development to further enhance employment opportunities for Pakistanis in Saudi Arabia.
“Together, we can explore new markets and create successful trilateral partnerships, leveraging the vast experience of Pakistani entrepreneurs,” Khan said.
Jam Kamal invited Saudi business groups 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 the construction materials, textiles, and food industries.