ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan expressed hope on Saturday the investment of Saudi fast-food chain Al Baik in Pakistan would help generate employment opportunities, as he met Saudi businessmen in Jeddah to explore ways to enhance bilateral trade.
Al Baik, a popular Saudi brand specializing in fried chicken, has a strong following among Pakistani travelers to the Kingdom. The company signed a memorandum of understanding last year to enter the Pakistani market, capitalizing on its existing popularity.
Pakistan and have witnessed a 22% increase in bilateral trade volume that currently stands at $700 million. also remains Pakistan’s largest source of remittances, with $7.4 billion sent by expatriate workers last year.
During the visit, the commerce minister met Al Baik’s owner, Rami Abu Ghazaleh, who confirmed the company’s decision to open outlets in Pakistan, indicating that the agreement had reached its final stages.
“Al Baik’s arrival in Pakistan will create employment opportunities,” Khan said, according to an official statement. “Pakistan offers a favorable business environment and invites Saudi investors to explore opportunities.”
Pakistan Minister of Commerce Jam Kamal Khan (R) gestures with Rami Abu Ghazalah, CEO and co-owner of Saudi fast food chain AlBaik, during a visit to an outlet in Jeddah on February 7, 2025. (X/@jam_kamal)
Khan also highlighted the significant role played by Pakistani workers in ’s economy and discussed his country’s new policy of granting visa-free entry with a 90-day stay for the nationals of Gulf Cooperation Council countries, facilitating greater business and labor mobility between the two states.
Beyond Al Baik, the minister engaged with other Saudi business leaders as well who showed interest in investing in Pakistan’s energy, information technology, agriculture and construction sectors.
He also invited them to attend upcoming trade events in his country.
Pakistan has been working to strengthen business-to-business (B2B) ties with .
During Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s visit to Riyadh last October, both sides signed 34 agreements worth $2.8 billion to enhance private sector collaboration and commercial partnerships. Pakistani officials have since been following up on the commitments made between the two sides.
