The Saudi-Pakistani Joint Committee held here today its 8th session. The Saudi side was headed by Minister of Commerce and Industry Dr. Hashim bin Abdullah Yamani, while the Pakistani side was led by Minister of Commerce Humayun Akhtar Khan. At the opening session, Dr. Yamani welcomed his counterpart and the accompanying delegation in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. He said that these meetings contribute to making available the investment opportunities in the two countries, stating that the positive results of these meetings will provide ways of joint cooperation and enhance trade and investment between the two countries. Dr. Yamani pointed to the development in the field of Saudi economy as the GDP in 2006 amounted to $ 347 billion. He also said that the non-oil industries increased by 10.1%; communications and transportation by 9.5%; and electricity, gas and water by 5.5%. "According to 2006 report, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia ranked 38 out of 155 competing for the best attracting investments of their economies. Also, Saudi exports increased to $ 181 billion while the imports increased to $ 59.5 billion. The trade surplus in 2005 amounted to $ 121 billion." Dr. Yamani added. --More
