SAGIA chief honored by Pakistan

By MOHAMMED RASOOLDEEN | ARAB NEWS

RIYADH: Pakistan conferred its highest civilian award — the Sitara-e-Imtiaz (Star of Excellence) — on Dr. Amr Al-Dabbagh, governor of the Saudi Arabian Investment General Investment Authority (SAGIA), here on Sunday night for his achievements and contributions to strengthening Saudi-Pakistan relations.

Al-Dabbagh, who is also the board member of a number of institutions such as the Centennial Fund, STARS Foundation, the World Economic Forum, the London Business School and the King Abdullah Charitable Housing Foundation, has been responsible for increasing Saudi-Pakistan relations.

Conferring the award on Al-Dabbagh on behalf of Pakistan's president at a glittering function, Pakistani Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Umar Khan Alsherzai told guests at the mission's auditorium that Al-Dabbagh has invested in development projects at home and abroad with providence and foresight.

"Pakistan has greatly benefited from investments made under his supervision," he said, adding that Al-Dabbagh's love and affection for Pakistan is special.

"SAGIA has also facilitated more than 300 Pakistani businessmen in various investment projects in the Kingdom. The 10x10 Initiative in six economic cities launched by Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah under Al-Dabbagh's direct supervision also promises tremendous opportunities for both the Kingdom and its friendly nations. "The monarch and his government's vision of transforming Saudi Arabia into a global economic power is being translated into reality by Al-Dabbagh," said Al-Sherzai.

Attending the event were several diplomats and members of the Pakistani community, including Malaysian Ambassador Syed Omar Al-Saggaf, Muhammad Ayaz Khan, deputy chief of mission at the Pakistan Embassy, and Ziaullah Shams, commercial attaché at the Pakistan Embassy.

Accepting the prestigious award, Al-Dabbagh said the conferment is a reflection of the strong relations between two friendly Muslim countries. "We should work hard to explore new areas of cooperation in promoting excellent relations between the two countries.

"Saudi Arabia could make use of the human capital available in Pakistan for its economic development projects and Saudi businessmen should also find new areas for foreign investments in Islamabad," he said.

Sitara-e-Imtiaz is the third highest honor awarded by the Pakistan government. It is conferred on foreign nationals in recognition for their services to Pakistan. It is awarded for distinguished merit in literature, arts, sports, medicine and science. It is also given to important foreign nationals for their outstanding services.

The Sitara-e-Imtiaz is announced every year on the anniversary of Pakistan's Independence Day and conferred by the country's president. Last year, the award was given to Arab News Editor-in-Chief Khaled Almaeena.

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