Muhammad Ishaq Dar, the deputy prime minister and foreign minister, stated on Thursday that the nation’s economy has been set up for sustainable growth in order to fulfil the goal of joining the G20 club as soon as possible. He cited the government’s efforts for economic stability and the enormous investment potential that currently exists.

In his keynote speech at the Pakistan-Saudi Business Forum, which was held here, the deputy prime minister recalled that, in 2017, the nation had become the 24th most prosperous economy in the world, with 4% inflation, less than 2% food inflation, 6% GDP, and the highest foreign reserves. The COVID pandemic and other internal and external factors had caused the country’s pursuit of G20 membership to be derailed.

The Pakistan-Saudi Business Forum was organised in conjunction with a high-level Saudi delegation that includes leaders from a wide range of  public and private sector organisations. The mission is being led by Minister for Investment Engineer Khalid Bin Abdulaziz Al-Falih and is in Pakistan for three days. The purpose of the visit is to sign Memorandums of Understanding  (MOUs) in a number of areas and investigate investment  opportunities. Ishaq Dra said that Saudi Arabia and Pakistan have enduring and  deeply ingrained links characterised by a common history, religion, and set of values. He again expressed gratitude to the Saudi leadership for Pakistan’s unflinching assistance, especially during the country’s recent  economic difficulties, and reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to the Kingdom’s sovereignty and integrity, saying that it will stand by it  through thick and thin.