Riyadh: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif reaffirmed Pakistan’s dedication to strengthening relations with the World Economic Forum (WEF) during a meeting with its President and CEO, Børge Brende, on the sidelines of the 9th Future Investment Initiative Conference.

The meeting, initiated by WEF leadership, aimed to formally invite Prime Minister Sharif to the Forum’s Annual Meeting in Davos, Switzerland, scheduled for January next year. The Prime Minister expressed appreciation for the ongoing engagement between Pakistan and the WEF.

During the discussions, Sharif emphasized the significance of Pakistan’s structural economic reforms, which focus on stabilization, fiscal discipline, investment, and digital transformation. He noted satisfaction with improved macro-economic indicators over the past 18 months, highlighting priorities such as export-led growth, public-private partnerships, and leveraging the country’s youthful workforce and burgeoning IT sector.

The Prime Minister also welcomed the WEF’s involvement in developing resilient food systems, crucial for Pakistan’s economy, which is heavily reliant on agriculture. He underscored the importance of peace as a catalyst for prosperity.

Sharif described Pakistan as a strategic link connecting South Asia, Central Asia, and the Middle East, positioning the nation as a vital regional bridge.

In response, Børge Brende expressed gratitude for Pakistan’s active participation with the Forum and anticipated continued collaboration in fostering a mutually advantageous partnership.