Finance minister says Pakistan's skilled labour can support Saudi Vision 2030

Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb emphasized Pakistan’s potential to export skilled labour to Saudi Arabia in line with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 development plan.

Speaking at the Emerging Market Economies Conference in AlUla, Aurangzeb highlighted opportunities for collaboration between the two countries as Saudi Arabia transforms its economy.

“There is significant potential for Pakistan, especially in providing skilled labour needed to support Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030,” he stated.

Vision 2030 aims to diversify Saudi Arabia’s economy by expanding sectors like health, education, infrastructure, tourism, and recreation, creating a growing demand for skilled workers.

With over two million Pakistanis already employed in Saudi Arabia, Pakistan remains a key source of remittances. While many currently work in blue-collar jobs, the need for skilled workers is expected to grow as Saudi Arabia modernizes.

Pakistan’s Education and Professional Training Ministry is developing a new policy to train one million youths annually with skills tailored for Gulf employment. Additionally, the Saudi Fund for Development (SFD) has offered to partner with Pakistan to provide job-specific training for Saudi Arabia’s evolving job market, according to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s office.