Islamabad: Pakistan is set to expand its agricultural and food trade with Saudi Arabia, focusing on boosting exports and forging new investment opportunities. A high-level meeting led by Federal Minister for Economic Affairs Senator Ahad Cheema outlined plans for strengthening bilateral market linkages and private-sector partnerships with Saudi Arabia.

According to Press Information Department, the meeting was attended by key government officials, including the Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Secretary Commerce, and representatives from various departments. Discussions centered on the significant progress made in Pakistan’s agricultural trade initiatives with Saudi Arabia and identified key areas for further collaboration.

The Federal Minister emphasized the importance of the upcoming visit by Saudi Minister for Environment, Water and Agriculture Abdulrahman Al-Fadley, which is expected to enhance cooperation and explore investment opportunities. Pakistan aims to leverage its agricultural potential by expanding exports to Saudi Arabia, focusing on meat, rice, processed food, and animal fodder.

The Saudi delegation will visit the National Agriculture Research Centre and engage with provincial agriculture ministers and leading Pakistani agricultural business groups. Several Memoranda of Understanding are anticipated during the visit, including plans for a Pakistan-Saudi Agri Investment Fund.

Minister Cheema noted Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s commitment to deepening economic ties with Saudi Arabia and urged relevant departments to develop commercially viable proposals to enhance exports. The visit aims to provide momentum to bilateral economic relations and yield tangible progress in trade, investment, and research collaborations.