SDSB Speaker Session - Saudi Vision 2030 and its Impact on Pakistan

On Thursday, December 21, 2023, SDSB-LUMS welcomed Mr. Ali Farid Khwaja, a LUMS alum and Chairman of KTrade Securities, for an insightful in-person presentation. Mr. Khwaja, a distinguished Rhodes Scholar, shared his expertise on "Saudi Vision 2030 and its Impact on Pakistan." As the head of KTrade Securities, a financial services company, he provided valuable insights into the transformative changes and opportunities arising from Saudi Vision 2030.

Having earned his BSc and MSc from LUMS in 2003 and 2004, respectively, followed by an MSc in Financial Economics from the University of Oxford in 2006, Mr. Khwaja currently holds the position of President of the LUMS Alumni UK Chapter. Notably, KTrade Securities stands out as the sole financial services company from Pakistan to establish a local presence in Saudi Arabia besides the National Bank of Pakistan.

During the presentation, Mr. Khwaja emphasised Saudi Arabia as the biggest opportunity for Pakistan and highlighted the positive perception of Pakistan as a strong brand in Saudi Arabia. He delved into the economic history of Saudi Arabia, shedding light on the development of Riyadh and the potential opportunities for Pakistan to explore. 

Guests at the event included students, staff and faculty from LUMS. Mr. Khwaja's insights not only provided a comprehensive understanding of Saudi Vision 2030 but also contributed significantly to discussions about the future landscape of the region. The SDSB Speaker Series remains committed to its mission of connecting students with industry leaders, offering valuable learning experiences, and promoting academic-industry collaborations that benefit the entire academic community. We look forward to future sessions that will continue to inspire and educate our students.