Pakistan, Saudi Arabia target $3bn in agricultural and food exports

Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have agreed to strengthen cooperation in agriculture and food security, setting a target to increase Pakistan's agricultural and food exports to the Kingdom to $3 billion over the next two years.

 

The understanding was reached following discussions between Saudi Arabia's Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture and Pakistan's Ministry of National Food Security and Research, with a joint communiqué issued on agricultural and food security cooperation, according to the Prime Minister's Office.

 

Rice, red meat, fruits and fruit concentrates, green fodder and water-efficient agricultural technologies have been identified as priority areas for cooperation, with a focus on encouraging private-sector partnerships between the two countries.

 

A Saudi delegation led by Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture Abdulrahman A. Al-Fadley visited Islamabad from August 26 to 28, accompanied by senior officials from relevant Saudi institutions, including the General Food Security Authority.

 

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met the delegation to discuss potential areas of collaboration, while Pakistani officials and private-sector representatives presented opportunities across the rice, livestock, processed food, fruit concentrate and green fodder sectors.

 

The Saudi delegation was also briefed on the Pakistan-Saudi Arabia Agriculture and Food Strategic Plan and held meetings with the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC), Fauji Foundation and the Pakistan-Saudi Arabia Agri-Business Forum. The delegation also visited the National Agricultural Research Centre.

 

Both sides noted the alignment between Saudi Arabia's food security objectives under Vision 2030 and Pakistan's potential as a supplier of agricultural and food products.

 

Pakistan exported approximately 169,000 tonnes of rice worth around $163 million to Saudi Arabia in 2025. The Saudi side expressed interest in expanding bilateral rice trade in the coming years.

 

In the livestock sector, Pakistan currently supplies around 30,000 tonnes of red meat annually to Saudi Arabia, valued at approximately $167 million. Saudi officials indicated interest in gradually doubling imports of red meat from Pakistan.

 

The two countries also identified significant growth potential in fruits and fruit concentrates and agreed to promote business-to-business linkages and facilitate greater recognition of quality certifications.

 

Green fodder was highlighted as another promising area for trade and long-term supply arrangements. Both sides also welcomed the completion of the first phase of a water-efficient irrigation programme in Bhakkar, Punjab, and expressed interest in advancing a second phase aimed at supporting small-scale farmers.

 

Pakistan also accepted Saudi Arabia's invitation to join the International Date Council.

 

The two sides reviewed investment proposals from Pakistan's private sector covering livestock, agri-food processing and the rice value chain, agreeing to maintain coordination to advance potential projects.

 

Pakistan has additionally accepted an invitation to participate in the 43rd Saudi Agriculture Exhibition, scheduled to be held in Riyadh from October 19 to 22.

 

Both countries reaffirmed their commitment to expanding their broader strategic partnership and agreed to continue engagement to convert the latest understandings into concrete trade and investment outcomes.