ISLAMABAD: Ambassador of Saudi Arabia to Pakistan Nawaf Saeed Al-Malkiy said his country was keen to further strengthen trade relations with Pakistan as both countries have great potential to promote bilateral trade in many areas. He said that Saudi Arabia considered Pakistan a brotherly country and will stand shoulder to shoulder with it in every critical situation. He said both countries were facing challenges and strong mutual cooperation was needed to cope with them. He said Pakistani media should play positive role in highlighting economic potential of their country. He was addressing the business community at Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI). Saudi Embassy Economic Affairs Director Abdullah Sabr was also present at the occasion. The Saudi envoy said that business visa regime on both sides was an issue and he had already discussed it with relevant authorities of both countries to liberalise it for businessmen. He said Saudi Arabia was interested in China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and that Pakistan should improve security, roads infrastructure and facilities to attract foreign investment, including from Saudi Arabia. He said a number of development projects were envisaged in Saudi Arabia under ‘Vision 2030’ and Pakistani investors should explore joint ventures and investment in his country. He said after December 3, biometric verification for Pakistani Umrah aspirants would be free for three months. He assured his embassy would fully cooperate with Pakistani business community in visiting Saudi Arabia. Speaking at the occasion, Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry President Sheikh Amir Waheed said cordial relations between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia should be translated into growing trade and economic relations as the bilateral trade of $2.5 billion was not reflective of their actual potential. Published in Daily Times, November 10th 2017.