Islamabad: Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have reached an agreement to elevate Pakistan’s agricultural and food exports to Saudi Arabia to three billion dollars within the next two years. This development emerged from discussions between the two nations, highlighting a commitment to enhance bilateral trade in key sectors.
According to Radio Pakistan, the talks were led by Pakistan’s Minister for National Food Security and Research, Rana Tanveer Hussain, and Saudi Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture, Engineer Abdulrahman A. Al-Fadley. The meetings took place during a visit by the Saudi delegation to Islamabad from August 26 to 28, initiated under the interest of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. The Prime Minister also engaged with the Saudi delegation to explore potential areas of cooperation in agriculture and food security.
A joint communiqué released after the visit identified specific areas for cooperation, including rice, red meat, fruits and fruit concentrates, green fodder, and water-efficient agricultural technologies, with a focus on collaboration with the Saudi private sector. The communiqué noted Pakistan’s previous supply of approximately 169,000 tonnes of rice to Saudi Arabia in 2025, valued at around 163 million dollars, with the Saudi side expressing interest in increasing rice imports in the future.
The review of Pakistan’s red meat supply, amounting to around 30,000 tonnes annually and valued at 167 million dollars, was also part of the discussions. Both countries agreed to strengthen business-to-business connections and promote mutual recognition of quality certifications to enhance fruit and fruit concentrate exports. Additionally, green fodder was recognized as a promising trade area for developing long-term supply partnerships.
The successful completion of the first phase of a water-efficient irrigation program in Bhakkar, Punjab, was welcomed, with interest expressed in a proposed second phase for small farmers. Pakistan was also encouraged to join the International Dates Council, a suggestion that was positively received.
Investment proposals from Pakistan’s private sector in livestock, agri-food processing, and the rice value chain were reviewed. During the visit, the Saudi delegation engaged with various Pakistani institutions and attended the Pakistan-Saudi Arabia Agri-Business Forum, touring the National Agricultural Research Centre.
Additionally, Pakistan accepted an invitation to participate in the 43rd Saudi Agriculture Exhibition in Riyadh, scheduled from October 19 to October 22. Both nations expressed satisfaction with the visit’s outcomes and agreed to maintain close coordination to implement the agreements reached into practical cooperation.