The Information Minister Attaullah Tarar announced that Saudi Arabia’s popular fast-food chain, Al Baik, will soon expand its operations to Pakistan.

This move is part of the growing Saudi investments in the country, which have now surpassed $6 billion.

Tarar shared the news during a press briefing in Lahore, highlighting the increasing economic collaboration between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, including the opening of Aramco’s first fuel station in the country.

Al Baik, renowned for its broast chicken, signed a strategic memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Pakistan’s Gas and Oil Pakistan Ltd (GO), marking a significant step toward the restaurant’s launch in Pakistan.

READ: Saudi Arabia increases investment in Pakistan to $2.8bn as new deal sign

Saudi Minister of Investment Engineer Khalid Al-Falih attended the signing ceremony.

The expansion is part of broader efforts to increase foreign investment in Pakistan. Tarar also revealed that Qatar plans to invest $3 billion, and Azerbaijan is set to contribute $2 billion.

Additionally, Pakistan has recently secured a port development agreement with Abu Dhabi.

Tarar emphasized that Pakistan’s foreign reserves have risen to $11 billion, with remittances reaching $8 billion, a crucial factor in supporting the national economy and job creation. The minister praised the role of Pakistanis abroad in boosting foreign exchange through substantial remittances.

Founded in 1974 in Jeddah, Al Baik has over 120 outlets across Saudi Arabia and Bahrain, and is particularly popular among Pakistani expatriates.

With GO’s backing, including a 40 percent stake from Saudi Aramco, Al Baik’s entry into Pakistan marks a new chapter in the growing economic ties between the two nations.