http://www.nation.com.pk/daily/feb-2007/22/index9.php


S Arabia offers Pak finance for new dams

OUR STAFF REPORTER

ISLAMABAD - The Saudi Arabian government on Wednesday offered Pakistan to finance the proposed mega water reservoirs in future, as it had done in the case of Tarbela Dam.

The offer was extended by Vice Chairman and Managing Director Saudi Fund for Development, Eng Yousaf Al Bassam, during a meeting with Minister for Commerce Humayun Akhtar Khan, held in Saudi Arabia.

Humayun is presently on a three-day official visit to Saudi Arabia, according to a press statement issued here by the Ministry of Commerce. Eng Yousaf said that the Saudi Fund for Development had been financing Tarbela Dam in the past and was now ready to finance other new dams coming up in Pakistan.

He appreciated the government of Pakistan’s convening of the World Islamic Economic Forum in Islamabad, which was a good initiative.

The commerce minister said that in spite of the regional and international challenges, Pakistan’s pace of economic development was encouraging and that the environment was conducive for investments due to the present govet’s consistent policies.

Earlier, Acting Chairman, Council of Saudi Chambers of Commerce & Industries, Saad Al Muajjal, also called on Humayun Akhtar Khan at the Conference Palace.

During the meeting, they discussed matters relating to the promotion of trade and investments especially the working of Joint Business Council (JBC). Both sides agreed to activate the JBC to exploit the present favourable environment for trade and investment.

The minister informed the Saudi dignitary about the schedule for the next JBC, which is taking place in Karachi in March, and urged him to send maximum businessmen to the event.

It's a good move from saudi goverment. I am hoping to see an even closer relation between these 2 brotherly countries in the near future. Pakistani brain and expertise in engineering combined with saudi capital will create a significant boost in the islamic world. wish them luck.

And this is what saudis done to my country and not to forget their significant contribution when we were facing the tsunami aftermath in the late 2004.

Prince Alwaleed Offers Emergency Donation to Indonesia
Arab News

RIYADH, 22 February 2007 - Kingdom Holding Company Chairman Prince Alwaleed bin Talal has made a substantial emergency donation to Indonesia's flood victims through Kingdom Foundation. The floods and landslides were caused by heavy rains that began in December last year and affected Aceh Province, Java coast and flooded Jakarta and the surrounding areas early this month. The donation, made via the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, is being administered by the Emergency Response Fund (ERF) to provide water and sanitation, health, provision of hygiene and other non-food items and nutritional support. The aid also comprises food items, tents, generators, clothes, blankets and medicine, according to a press release yesterday.



Assalamu'alaykum and have a good day.

Another prove of how close these 2 countries in various fields. One thing I want to state here that I am a big fan of a greater Saudi-Pak relation because I see big potency of these 2 countries.

Kingdom, Pakistan Sign Comprehensive Accord
Javid Hassan & Ali Al-Zahrani, Arab News

RIYADH, 22 February 2007 — Saudi Arabia and Pakistan have entered into an advanced phase of their relations with the signing of a comprehensive agreement that calls for cooperation in the fields of trade, investment, oil and gas, education, culture, health care, agriculture, consular and security affairs, science and technology, as well as training programs.

The agreement signed by Saudi Minister of Commerce and Industry Hashim Yamani and Pakistani Minister of Commerce Humayun Akhtar here yesterday, also calls for organizing trade exhibitions in both countries and exchange of visits between businessmen of the two countries.

Yamani hoped that the agreement would pave the way for increasing cooperation of the private sector on both sides in setting up joint venture projects. The next session of the joint commission will be held in Islamabad on a mutually convenient date.

Currently, the volume of two-way trade amounted to SR9.44 billion ($2.52 billion), including $329 million of Pakistani exports in 2005. There are 231 joint investment projects with a total capital investment of SR4.75 billion ($1.26 billion). Saudi investments in Pakistan jumped from $18 million last year to $300 million this year.

Akhtar said a significant outcome of his visit was the willingness of Saudi Arabia as the current president of the GCC to look into the possibility of concluding an agreement for Pakistan-GCC cooperation. He said the Saudi Fund for Development (SFD) had financed various projects in Pakistan and would lend its helping hand to the ones coming up in future. Some of the projects already funded include power generation and distribution plants, real estate, banking, telecom, oil and gas sectors.

Pakistan is keen on participating in the Kingdom’s railroad sector projects where they have experience and expertise, Akhtar said. He would also like Pakistani companies’ participation in the multi-billion dollar economic cities to be established in different parts of the Kingdom.

Speaking to newsmen later, Yamani said, in reply to a question, that his ministry was closely monitoring the recent increase in consumer prices of various goods. “We’ll take all measures to ensure that the prices stay at realistic levels and are not jacked up artificially,” he said, referring to the price hike in cement, iron, dairy products, vegetables and other consumer items.

The Saudi minister pointed out that they were also coordinating with the directorate of statistics and the ministries concerned to check the prices on a regular basis and take corrective action.

He attributed the 30 percent hike in housing prices to the gap between supply and demand leading to the surge in prices. “The government is studying this phenomenon and working toward its solution. The issue of amending the mortgage law was also under study, he said, a long-pending demand of the business community.

Currently, once the property is mortgaged for a loan, the house owner cannot go for a second loan till the first one is cleared. This puts him at a disadvantage, since the value of his house far exceeds the loan extended by the bank using his house as security for the debt.

this is what i call true friends and allies ... {there should be a saudi flag gif !}

long as its an equitable relationship man. We suffer tremendously because of our one sided
relationship with the USA.

as its an equitable relationship man. We suffer tremendously because of our one sided
relationship with the USA.

and it can only happen if we make it possible. We must increase our economic clout by virtue of which more and more of our Arab friends would come to Pakistan.

We must accept that in our economic revival UAE has been at the forefront and now that stabilization has started I am sure the Saudi's would be the second ones to come and invest heavily but before blaming anybody else .. we must make ourselves useful and have trust of our friends for not making them loose their investment.

Inshallah, just like our nuclear & missile programme is a beacon for other Muslim states .. our economic progress should also be able to shine wonders in the Islamic world ; at the present time we have Turkey, UAE, Malaysia, Jordan, Egypt, etc ... who are shining star of Muslim economies ...

Jazakallah bro for the news and once again our Saudi brothers have shown how much they care for Pakistan and have always been amongst the big three allies we have [China, Turkey, Saudi] who we can trust upon always. They are taking a strong interest in building Pakistan’s interest that will pave the way for a strong economy in the future.

This shows nothing. Pakistan economy is booming and they want the piece of cake just self interes nothing. Chinese, US, UK and Europe, Japanese are investing more than the morons Arabs.

Yea how much as chinese private business invested in Pakistan not much. I personally spoke to Japanese embassy official who once was based in New Delhi, he said problem which is impeding investment in pakistan is the nuclear tensions. Only people that invest when times are good and bad are the Arabs of the GCC.

Your comment proves you are ill informed.

Saudi is good freind of Pakistan, many GCC countrys help Pakistan but on person to person basis I think some people here have had a not so warm wellcome at varoious airports in arab countrys

http://www.pakistantimes.net/2007/02/23/top5.htm


Pakistan, Saudi Arabia agree to Establish Special Economic Ties


By Shoaib Jabbar 'Pakistan Times' Special Correspondent

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have decided to establish special economic partnership for cooperation in Health, Education, Railway, Food & Agriculture, Religious Affairs, Science & Technology, Labor and Manpower, Tourism and Trade & Industry.

The agreement was made in the 8th session of the Pak-Saudi Joint Ministerial Commission headed by Commerce Minister Humayun Akhtar Khan and Minister of Commerce & Industry of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Dr. Hashim A. Yamani at the conference palace in Riyadh on Wednesday, says a message received here today.

Both the sides agreed to hold the 9th session of Saudi-Pakistan Joint Commission in Islamabad in 2008 on a date to be mutually decided after through consultation.

Both states noted that to balance the bilateral trade which is heavily in favor of Saudi Arabia and Pakistan offered export of ready-made garments, cotton products, engineering goods, consumer goods, Pharmaceutical, rice, textile fabrics, sports goods, and surgical instruments.

Both the sides expressed their hope to reach on agreement between GCC & Pakistan to create a free-trade area which covers trade in goods & services by the end of 2007.

Pakistan and Saudi Arabia also agreed to arrange roads shows and exhibitions to showcase the products of both the countries, encourage business to business interaction and visa facilitation.

The Saudi government was requested to relax and rationalize their Standard requirements and duties on export from Pakistan and allow Pakistan private investment in the free re-export zone of Saudi Arabia,

Both sides agreed to enhance cooperation in the field of manufacturing of medical/surgical equipment, which includes hospital supplies (Beds, Stretchers, Bedpans, Crutches, Walkers, and Wheel Chairs etc.) Pakistan offered free of cost training facilities for the Saudi doctors and nurses in the field of therapeutic and diagnostic services, neurosurgery, cardiovascular surgery and Pediatrics.

Pakistan and Saudi Arabia also agreed for establishing academic linkage between Quaid-e-Azam University and National Institute of Science & Technical Education, Islamabad, with Saudi Arabia and exchange visits of academicians, scholars & teachers and exchange of printed material of education interests and to initiate joint programs, chalked out with mutual consultation, in the filed of emerging technologies such as VOIP, NGN (Next generation network), WLL (wireless local loop).

Pakistan offered training facilities to Saudi Railways personnel in various disciplines of railways and asked the Saudi side to identify the fields of their interest.

Pakistan side requested the Saudi Government to consider RAILCOP for the award of contracts for the development and maintenance of Saudi railway infrastructure on the basis of its past performance.

The Pakistan side highlighted the potential of Pakistan industrial sector in manufacturing of Sugar plants, Cement plants, Fertilizer Plants, Refineries and Construction material and offered its expertise to Saudi Government.

The Pakistan side also offered expertise of Small Enterprises group of companies for meeting import requirements of plant machinery and engineering goods of Saudi Arabia. Pakistan side handed over the list of goods and services, which can be exported by Pakistan State Engineering Corporation.

The Pakistan side also sought Saudi investment in Export Processing Zones of Pakistan for the establishment of export oriented industries where raw material could be imported from any source of world without any custom duty. The Saudi side showed deep interest for investment in the EPZs of Pakistan.

The Pakistan side identified the areas of Oil and Gas, Petroleum and Petrochemical, Power generation, textile manufacturing, Banking and Finance, Fertilizer, Livestock & Dairy production, IT & Telecom as prospective sectors for investments.

The Pakistan delegation requested for Saudi investment in the large breeding farms, milk collection and diary processing units, vaccine production and join ventures in cattle feed mills, meat production and processing, poultry production and processing units, animal health and vegetable processing units, Saudi side showed their interest for increased cooperation in the agriculture sector.

The Pakistan side also offered consultancy services for horticulture development, land-scaping and diagnostic field surveys. The Saudi side took note of the offer.

Both the sides also discussed the potential for organizing cooperation in the field of science and technology and noted that early notification of the agreement by the Saudi Government would pave the way for enhanced cooperation in this field. The Pakistan side requested the Saudi side to propose their members on the Joint: Committee on Science and Technological Cooperation.

The Pakistan side requested the Saudi delegation for preferential treatment of Pakistani labor seeking employment in the Kingdom and grant of pardon to all such Pakistani prisoners who are detained in Saudi Jails for minor crimes having the punishment of less than two years.

The Pakistani delegation also requested for extension in the deadline for grant of visas on manual passport up-to the year 2010 and waving off the condition of valid power of attorney for overseas employment promoters from Saudi recruiting agencies.

Both the sides agreed to exchange tourism information/statistics, publications, publicity material, development and marketing plans for mutual benefit for further promotion of cooperation between the two countries in the cultural and tourism spheres.

Both the sides noted that social fibre of both the countries is conducive for the educational and professional pursuits of women. The Pakistan side asked the Saudi delegation to encourage Saudi women to attend educational institutes in Pakistan and likewise Pakistani women may be given equal opportunities of employment in the Kingdom.●

:SaudiFlag: :SaudiFlag: Both country will move to an even closer ties to give strong boost to islamic world development. I believe they are brother in nature.

Salam.

This is a right step in right direction, we need to strengthen our ties with GCC and other friendly countries, it would provide the chance to have wider market and less dependence on US in our trade.

Sorry Budy they havent done anything. Even today they have far more investment in India than Pakistan. Look at Pakistani exports to Arabs just pathetic. Arabs welcome Indians more than Pakistanis. These morons didnt helped us in past, for instance Saudis left us just after Afgan Soviet invasion and didnt even look back for help. There is nop friend in world politics only necessities. They want us because there ass is about to be wiped by uncle sam and israel and they feel vurnulable

Should i stop spending my cash at british shops unless run by pakistan muslims?

Your logic is flawed. Maybe Pakistan should be wary of being to dependent on other nations because leaders have to answer to their own people thus are willing to back stab allies.

They invest more in India b/c India has an economy many times larger than ours and while we were fighting over the powers of the Prime Minister and allowing feudal families to ruin our country, they were moving forward and setting the stage for an economic juggernaut that has continued unabated for more than a decade. China invests hundreds of billions in the US and Europe, does that mean that they like them more than us or are conspiring with the west against us or are "afraid" of the west??? No!!! The west is a good investment and has many more oppurtunities for investment than other places. Thats why. Your comments are myopic, hypocritical and reveal an underlying racism in your psyche.

PakiWarrior, i actually agree with what your saying, these arabs are feeling the heat of the americans and the israelis, and obviously only a moron would be stupid enough to not accept, Pakistan is the most powerful Muslim country in terms of military and man power. And these arabs want someone to protect their pesky backsides.
And to the person who claimed that india was building itself while we were fighting over our political powers, i actually believe quite to the contrary, my friend either you are living in your fools paradise, or your sense of history and trade liberalization has led you to believe certain things which are not true.
india is a boiling cauldron of civil war and has had a violent history since its inception, maybe you should go and do some research before you open your mind ,my brother. I am being easy on you since i believe your a Pakistani, however it amazes me how you can make such comments.
The north east of india is constantly in a state of civil war, and by the north east i mean 4 different states, secondly the largest minority of india is under represented in all government institutions and organisations and there is a sense of alienation. Three of india's neighbors do not share a good relationship and there is always some sort of tension in them. Hindu radicals, extremists, terrorists and fascists are constantly threatening the president of their country, who is the biggest puppet in the world.
There is still a sense of insecurity in the thinking of some sikhs due to their history with this history, and the idea of nationalism is still there whether it be implicit or explicit.
In the past one year, there have been two terrorist attacks in india which under normal circumstances should have had an effect on its foreign domestic investment, and finally despite having such a large local economy of a billion plus people, let us not forget it is india which has a population of 600 million living under the poverty and not being able to make ends meet. My friend the law of average is about to hit india very soon.



Pakistan Zindabad

brother, there is no point arguing with these people. they would only be happy if the Arabs kept writing us blank cheques without ever expecting anything in return. There are poorer muslim countries than ours so my question is what has Pakistan done for them? do we go around handing out money for nothing? The Arabs are coming into Pakistan in a big way becuase they us as a good investment.They are not obliged to invest but they do and we should be grateful for that or would we prefer that they didnt?

But apart from that the aid and help they have given us over the last few decades has been generous as well. A lot of these Pakistanis have a racist mentality due to whatever reason against Arabs. what they fail to understand is that the realities are a lot different to what is seen publically or is general public knowledge.

Most people didnt even know that Tarbela dam was funded by the Saudis. what did they get out of that? Just a sense of brotherhood.

Sallam,



Totally agree with you brother, alot of Pakistani think that the Arabs should spend all their wealth on Pakistan.

And about the heat from Isreal and the USA, tell me what can Pakistan really do against the USA. Pakistan does not have the capability to protect the Saud royal family from the americans..

My question is where does this deep seated hatred come from? I have relatives who live in various Arab countries, my family and I have gone to Saudia dozens of times and I have dozens and dozens of Arab friends from all over the gulf region. In all cases I have never once been insulted by them b/c of my heritage, none of my family members curse our Arab brothers despite having lived amongst them for decades and my Arab friends treat me like a brother. When I studied in Madeenah, I was treated like a king and I can't count how many Arabs helped me in numerous ways and complimented Pakistan and desis in general. Furthermore, whenever one watches clips of arab qaris reciting in Pakistan, you always see a sea of Pakistanis listening attentively and you can see the love and affection on their faces for the recitor.

It is just so sad to see Pakistanis hating our Muslim brothers without distinction and compassion. By Allah, I have never seen so much hatred in my life towards people we don't even know. We treat polytheists and those with no belief in Allah better than our own Muslim brothers and sisters.

May Allah guide us all.

Major investments in Mlaysia's development came from Arab states, weather it was housing sector or corporate and that played the biggest role in helping nation to build their infrastructure. The reason was that Malaysia provided an investment friendly enviornment, where Sauidi's thatought that their money would be safe, also they earned good profits from economic development and still hold the large share of investment.

Problem in past was that our investment policies were not transparent, governments were corrupt and we lost confidence of investors. Now we have minimum intervention in investment and most of the projects are being handled by international consultants, which assures investors of security and transparancy and we are getting back these investors again.

Oh really. You might want to tell Shaukat Aziz that as well. He seems to have a different set of facts then you.

The stupidity of the Jewish /anti Arab lobby on this forum continues to amaze me.



Pakistan, UAE agree to enhance economic, bilateral ties

RAHIM YAR KHAN, Jan 11 (APP): Pakistan and United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Thursday held wide-ranging discussions on regional and international issues and agreed to expand cooperation specially in energy, investment, trade, manpower, defence and security sectors.Prime Minister Aziz who especially arrived here to meet United Arab Emirates President Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, who was here on a private visit, discussed political, diplomatic and bilateral relations.


The Prime Minister said UAE was the single largest foreign investor in Pakistan’s public and private sector.

He said Pakistan greatly appreciated the continuing interest of the UAE’s private sector in Pakistan’s banking, telecom and infrastructure sectors and wanted to expand it to the areas including tourism, agri-business and food packaging.

The UAE President said his country was desirous of joint projects with Pakistan and would be conducting feasibility studies in this regard.

Prime Minister Aziz said many areas including petro-chemicals, real estate, major infrastructural development projects like roads and industrial units were open for investment and Pakistan was becoming a destination of choice for the foreign investors.

Shaukat Aziz said the development of Gwadar Port was a major opportunity for economic collaboration between the two countries and the UAE investors would welcome to develop shipping linkages with other regional countries besides opening of warehouses and oil storage facilities in Gwadar.

Shaukat Aziz said Pakistan and United Arab Emirates enjoyed close brotherly and historic ties that have passed the test of time.

“Pakistan greatly values its bonds with United Arab Emirates ... our relations are historic and we want to strengthen and make these a model for others,” the Prime Minister said.

The two leaders expressed similarity of views on important regional and international issues, including Palestine, Iraq and Kashmir.

http://www.app.com.pk/en/index.php?option=...61&Itemid=2

[quote name='PakiWorrior' date='Feb 24 2007, 02:29 AM' post='867704']
Sorry Budy they havent done anything.[/quote]

No doubt another well informed comment.



[quote name='PakiWorrior' date='Feb 24 2007, 02:29 AM' post='867704']
Even today they have far more investment in India than Pakistan. [/quote]

Bro do you ever bother reading before blurting your crap out.


GCC investments in Pakistan and future trends

03 January, 2007



Much of the desired changes are linked to Pakistan further improving its symbiotic economic relationship with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. A large Pakistani workforce in the region accounts for a significant share of the country’s annual remittances. Pakistan received a record $4.6 billion in remittances during the fiscal year 2005-06, as compared to $4.17 billion during 2004-05. Of the Middle East’s $2.06 billion contribution to remittances, Saudi Arabia topped with $750.44 million, followed by the UAE with $716.30 million, Kuwait – $246.75 million, Oman – $130.45 million, Qatar with $118.69 million, and Bahrain – $100.57 million.


Gulf investments

In the last few years, there has been an upsurge in investments by the GCC countries in Pakistan. The principal large-scale investments were in the real estate, infrastructure development, steel, shipping and energy sectors. In addition, banking and financial sectors also saw positive developments in terms of Gulf investments in Pakistan and vice-versa.

The largest source of FDI in Pakistan for the year ending June 2006 was the UAE with investments worth $1.42 billion, followed by the US with $517 million, and Saudi Arabia with $278 million. Financial analysts expect the investment base to broaden with the listing of Pakistani companies on the Abu Dhabi and Dubai bourses soon.

http://www.gulfinthemedia.com/index.php?m=...=en&id=2126




India -- Attractive Destination for GCC Investments

The Global report said FDI in India is increased from $5.55 billion in 2005 to $7.23 billion at the end of November 2006, an increase of 30.3 percent. Mauritius and US are the biggest investors in India, accounting for 40.8 percent and 13.8 percent respectively of the total FDI in India.


The GCC countries have invested around $406.3 million constituting around 1 percent of total FDI received by India. Among the GCC countries, UAE is the largest investor in India, accounting for around 79.0 percent ($321.1 million) of the total investment made by the GCC countries, followed by Bahrain ($32.7 million), Oman ($24.51 million), Saudi Arabia ($19.18 million), Kuwait ($8.87 million) and Qatar ($0.09 million).

http://www.zawya.com/story.cfm/sidZAWYA200...ain/pagHomepage


[quote name='PakiWorrior' date='Feb 24 2007, 02:29 AM' post='867704']
Look at Pakistani exports to Arabs just pathetic. Arabs welcome Indians more than Pakistanis. [quote]

You do realise that Indias trade with all countries including China, Bangladesh, USA and nearly every other country on this planet is bigger then that of Pakistan's. But for some reason you really hate the Arabs for this.

Now I need you to concentrate really hard and think before you post anything else.



[quote name='PakiWorrior' date='Feb 24 2007, 02:29 AM' post='867704']
These morons didnt helped us in past, for instance Saudis left us just after Afgan Soviet invasion and didnt even look back for help.
[/quote]

I'll let the rest of the people on this forum judge how idiotic your comments is.

it amazes me at, how myopic and narrow minded people's outlooks are, lol any condemnation and criticism of arabs means the anti arab/ pro israeli lobby has something to do with it.
As for those heroes who think the house of saud funded us for no benefits in return, boy are they wrong for miles, it could be very easy for me to say that pro-wahabbism is at its peak with some of you, but i will not resort to that since im a firm believer of the simple fact if im wrong, i would love to be corrected, if i am not corrected i will be considered a fool.
But its a simple fact that since the days of Henry kissinger former us secretary of state, there has been a neo realist movement going on in the world, and this neo realism calls for a simple rule of "you scratch my back and i will scratch your back"
i have never doubted the help the saudis have provided us but it would be foolish to say the expect nothing in return, a certain somebody said that arabs have treated him well, and i believe it. During my university days in the States i had befriended many a palestinian and saudi friends who i share alot with. But one needs to realise there is a difference between the government and the people.
Secondly, im sure we all know why there is a ssg brigade stationed in saudia and what its purpose is,
thirdly im sure we have all seen the plight of the immigrant workers from Pakistan a so called muslim brother country for them living in complete dismal conditions, might i even dare to say inhumane conditions.
I worked in dubai for 2 years as a banker and met thousands of arabs and they all couldnt give two hoots about Pakistan or its policies, so please dont talk outta your backside when you say they support Pakistan.
For me my loyalties are with Pakistan and Pakistan alone, if you support Pakistan im with you and if not then you can imagine.
If that includes the Israelis then be it, if that includes the North Koreans then be it.


Pakistan Zindabad

This last point makes me lean towards you being stupid then ignorant. Saudis have stronger relations with Uncle Sam then Pakistan does. Why will they be invaded ???

salam

Good point brother. But I think you will find that Pakworrier believes otherwise.

This type of news in foreign newspaper is very encouraging sign for our economy.

http://www.khaleejtimes.com/DisplayArticle...siness&col=

UAE trade with Pakistan to hit $5.1 billion by June
BY MUZAFFAR RIZVI
25 February 2007

DUBAI — Trade between the UAE and Pakistan is likely to post significant growth during the current financial year to cross $5 billion mark by June following a surge in exports to the UAE.


"The UAE-Pakistan trade is set to reach $5.1 billion (Dh18.71 billion) by the end of June, increased by 20 per cent over $4.1 billion in 2005-06," a senior official said.

"Pakistan's exports to the UAE have risen to $700 million during first half of current fiscal year (2006-07) as compared to $1.3 billion for full-year in 2005-06," he added.

Pakistan's exports to UAE were petroleum products worth $400 million, rice $250 million, textiles $200 million, engineering $60 million, leather $120 million and others.

During the last fiscal year the UAE's exports were $2.8 billion and imports from Pakistan were $1.3 billion, keeping the trade balance in favour of the UAE.

Bilateral trade volume between the two countries surged to $4.5 billion from $1.5 billion within the last five years.

The official further said that growth trends in two-way trade are very encouraging and both governments will continue to work closely with the private sectors to enhance co-operation in various sectors.

Major investment boost: "The UAE's investments in Pakistan will witness a major boost in 2007 in key sectors like energy, investment, trade, and manpower," he said.

A delegation of Pak-UAE Business Council will soon visit UAE to attract top businessmen to benefit from business opportunities in Pakistan. The delegation will specifically discuss opportunities in livestock, dairies, fisheries and mining sectors and invite the UAE businesses to invest in these sectors, he added.

The UAE has already been investing billion of dollars in housing, telecommunication, hotel and banking sectors of Pakistan. It also contributed $1.5 billion in foreign direct investment last financial year out of the total amount of $3.8 billion.

"Major UAE groups are actively participating in Pakistan's privatisation programme in general and energy sector in particular," he said adding that the two countries are also increasing their relations in the manpower sector.

Manpower export: Pakistan has developed a strong base of trained, educated, skilled and professional manpower, which could meet the growing workforce needs of the UAE. The two countries signed MoU in the field of manpower in December last that would enable Pakistan to increase manpower export to the UAE.

"Pakistan exported 166,451 skill oriented persons during the last 11 months, out of which 91,675 went to UAE," a senior government official said.

That is the actual asset, these guys would introduce more products from Pakistan in UAE and a closer p2p contacts.

By the way we are just infants in economic world, we have opened our market a few years back compared to other countries with rapid growth, it would definately take some time to gain investor's confidense and bring them to the oppertunities we have to offer, this is a cycle which starts with confidence and have no limits if we are able to keep things transparent.

The bad repute of our previous governments was the most difficult thing to clear, and we have done that successfully, what we have to do now is convince investors about our potentail, that is easiest thing to do in economic world, as it is only about figures.

Yet at the same time you vomit out the follwoing statement




Maybe you didn't realise the topic here is Arabs and what they've done for Pakistan.




You're joking right ?? "you scratch my back and i will scratch your back" is part of human nature. Its been around long before days of Henry kissinger.



Maybe you need to realise that Arab governments and the Pakistani governments have a very strong relationship. That in itself is a sign of the benefit of such a relationship.

The Arabs were some of the biggest donors of Aid during the Pakistani earthquake



The GCC countries as a whole are the biggest investors in Pakistan not just Saudi. Yet there are no SSG's stationed in other GCC countries.



and yet remain there in these "inhumane conditions" instead of coming back to Pakistan.



Yes you're right. Most people around the world concern themselves with the affairs of their own selves and their own country, however they do know who their friends are. Have a read of the following and see who's talking out of there backside.

They didn't even mention an arab state yet put Pakistan quiet high. I have just included the relevant points in my post. Have a read of the rest if you want.

Angus Reid Global Monitor : Polls & Research
Arabs Want France, China as World Superpowers
February 12, 2007

(Angus Reid Global Monitor) - Adults in five predominantly Arab countries are divided on which nation should dominate global affairs, according to a poll by Zogby International released by the Saban Center for Middle East Policy at the Brookings Institution. 19 per cent of respondents would prefer to have France as the only world superpower, while 16 per cent pick China.

Pakistan is third on the list with 14 per cent, followed by Germany with 10 per cent, the United States with eight per cent, Russia with seven per cent, and Britain with four per cent.


Source: Zogby International / Saban Center for Middle East Policy at the Brookings Institution
Methodology: Face-to-face interviews with 750 adults in Morocco, 750 adults in Saudi Arabia, 600 adults in Jordan, 600 adults in Lebanon, 800 adults in Egypt, and 500 adults in the United Arab Emirates, conducted in November and December 2006. No margin of error was provided.


http://www.angus-reid.com/polls/index.cfm/...em/itemID/14714




The second part of my anti arab/jewish lobby prediction.

The Arabs just gave Israel an exit corridor from Iran!
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/830309.html

Don't they know that Pakistan will be directly affected by refugees and radiation fallout?

Oh boy. What a long, started as a good news and now as a conspiracy and controversial thread. Reading members' comments on this board I get a feeling that half of our country leans towards Arabs/Muslim roots while the other half towards India/cultural roots. I hope that I am wrong and that the forum doesn't mirror our country's population percentage.

So I get the impression from few here that Arabs are selfish because they got oil money and they didn't spend it on Pakistan first rather than building their own nations. Arabs are only investing because they see a better return for their money now when Pakistani economy is in good shape and they didn't spend(read loose) billions to help us out during the 90s.

And then ofcourse, they are wahabis and spread so much wahabism specially in Pakistan that its actually wahabism thats the root of all evils in Pakistan and so on...

On the other hand, we as individual Pakistanis (immigrants) have the best reputation all over the world as well as the best nation. Its just so that we happen to be poor, corrupt, and illiterate and vaguely religious. Yet the Arabs still spend all their money on themselves. How selfish...

Those are some real signs of Pakistan becoming a great nation... Sorry for so much sarcasm.

Pak-UAE trade expected to surpass $5 billion

http://www.geo.tv/geonews/details.asp?id=2666&param=3

KARACHI: Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates (UAE)’s trade by the end of the current fiscal year could exceed $5 billion.

According to a report, Pak-UAE trade was expected to swell from $1.5 billion to $5.10 billion by the end of the current fiscal year, showing a leap by 20 percent as compared to the previous year.

Pakistan’s imports in the previous fiscal year amounted to $2.80 billion, while the goods worth $1.30 billion were exported to UAE.

UAE direct investment in Pakistan in the previous fiscal year amounted to $1.50 billion and Pakistan provided over 91,000-manpower to UAE during this period.

No country invests in another country, unless it is in the interests of that country. But having said that I think the Arabs have put good investments into Pakistan and are political allies of Pakistan for sure.

The Arabs are good to Pakistanis (in terms of cooperation and aid) as long as we don't step in their land, which is as far as their tolerance goes towards Pakistan.

http://wwww.worldtradereview.com/news.asp?...0&nID=31803

Pakistan & WTO
16-28 February 2007

Saudi Arabia suspends labor visas for Pakistan

Karachi: Saudi Arabia has suspended issuing employment visas to Pakistani laborers under new regulatory requirements to be met by overseas employment promoters in Pakistan, sources in the business said.

They said the Saudi embassy officials in Pakistan had issued messages to all the concerned departments and registered overseas employment promoters in Pakistan that Saudi government was suspending the facility until the local operators signed deal with registered recruiting agents in Saudi Arabia.

"For the last four days not a single labour visa has been issued," said a source privy to the happening.

"According to the new Saudi regulations, the Pakistani promoters should sign deal with the authentic recruiting agents in Saudi Arabia to get employment visa for their clients (labours)."

He said the Saudi authorities had also asked the local operators to assure that the deal they were signing with the Saudi recruiting agent was genuine and registered with the local department concerned otherwise they would not get the visa.

"Obviously the Saudi government wants to make the procedure more transparent but the new regulation appears unpractical for the local promoters," said the source citing the concerns among the overseas employment promoters.

"It is not possible for the local promoters to assure the authenticity of the Saudi recruiting agents. In fact it is much easier job for the Saudi government itself and its officials realise it."

Hundreds of thousands of Pakistanis fly to Arab countries every year to get better employment opportunities. The overseas Pakistanis had been instrumental in managing good foreign reserves during last three years and bridging trade deficit through remittance they send back to home.

The country's trade deficit widened to a record $6.45 billion during first half of the fiscal, up from $5.603 billion in the same period of fiscal 2006. However, inflows of $2.56 billion remittances during July-December 2006 offset the trade impact of imbalance trade to some extent.

"On average the Saudi embassy in Pakistan issues 1,200 employment visas in a month," said one of the overseas employment operators but wished not to be named. "The country cannot afford any ban or suspension in employment visas from the Saudi government and that's why an urgent between the promoters and Saudi embassy's senior officials was held to resolve the issue.

He said the Saudi officials were convinced that the fresh clause introduced by their government was almost impossible to meet by the Pakistani operators and it needed to be resolved within the shortest possible time.

"So we are very much hopeful that the Saudi government would understand our helplessness in sorting out the registered and unregistered recruiting agents in Saudi Arabia," he added.

Manpower export from Pakistan has been declining for more than two years, as the record available with authorities concerned and overseas employment promoters suggests almost 50 percent decline during last couple of years.

During 2005 total 91,773 people flew abroad against 173,824 Pakistanis in 2004. This shows a negatives difference of 47.2 per cent in a single year and the gap has been on the rise this during 2006.

The operators say declining trend in manpower export may affect the country's foreign exchange reserves negatively, as overseas Pakistanis have been a major source in boosting foreign exchange reserves rise during last seven years.

The jewish lobby quoting jewish sources. Must give you a warm feeling in your heart.



International Intelligence
Published: Feb. 26, 2007 at 11:43 AM
Gulf countries: No air space for Israel


CAIRO, Egypt, Feb. 26 (UPI) -- The Arab League said three Arab Gulf countries have denied Israel use of their air space to strike Iran.

Arab League Secretary-General Amr Mousa told reporters in Cairo the foreign ministers of Qatar, Oman and the United Arab Emirates said there is no agreement allowing Israeli jets to use their air space to reach Iran.


His remarks came a day after Israel's Haaretz daily said Israel has received a green light from these three oil-rich states to pass through their air space to launch air strikes against Iran's Bushehr nuclear facility near the Arab Gulf region.


"These reports are either forged or fabricated," Mousa said, adding the foreign ministers of these countries have "officially authorized" him to relay this information.


"No Arab country could allow or give license to Israel to attack Iran," the head of the 22-member Arab League said.


While Arab governments privately fear that Iran's nuclear program threatens the Gulf security, they are unlikely to support Israel in such an endeavor against a Muslim country in an already turbulent region.


While Israel has no peace treaties with any of the six Arab Gulf states, it has limited commercial ties with Qatar and Oman.

http://www.upi.com/InternationalIntelligen...6-113547-4668r/

Lol. You're joking right. Saudi is still one of the biggest employers of Pakistanis. Now they're downgrading employment opportunities and all hell breaks loose. Have some dignity about yourself. They don't have to employ people of other nations, it is their country they have the right to pick and choose without being slandered.

They still have many Pakistanis working there.

Markus,
Great responses, in general, although I would'nt characterize other posters as 'Jewish' sympathizers.

Yes, it is everyone for himself in the modern world--so what's new there? But there are people who are our natural allies, regardless of even religion: Culture, ethnicity, language, religion all tie together to make people--and by extension nations--more likely to get along with each other than with people of more different backgrounds. While I wish all humans get along regardless of their background so long as they are 'good' people there ARE some 'natural allies' and in that sense, despite minor hiccups in international and interpersonal relations, Arabs, Turks, and Iranian are Pakistan's natural allies.

Those who are trying to drive a wedge between Pakistan and its natural allies need to keep Pakistan's own best interests in mind. EVERY Pakistani govt., starting with Jinnah, has known these facts and mere ranting of a few kids in this forum is not going to permanently alienate Pakistan from its natural allies.

PS. Look at how 'anglos' act! In almost all wars, it is the USA, UK, Australia, Canada, and even NZ have fought alongside. Another example if the transatlantic 'western' alliance. Another example is the EU....All know, despite their often bitter, violent past, they are each others' natural allies, especially compared with say, Asians or Africans....

Guys,

Never take Shehz's comments serious.

He loves Pakistan ike anyone else on this forum, but he have got his "own" views on so called "rape" and "middle east", we all have weaknesses and he have his own, but he is excillent in business, economy and social issues.

We need to accept each other "as it is", me too have little understanding of defence, and can hardly differenciate between JF 17 and J 10.

None of us can be perfact.