Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have agreed to increase Pakistan’s agricultural and food exports to the kingdom to $3 billion over the next two years, enhancing economic cooperation under their broader strategic partnership. This initiative follows fruitful discussions between Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture and Pakistan’s Ministry of National Food Security and Research, initiated by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
The Saudi delegation, headed by Minister Engineer Abdulrahman Al-Fadley, visited Islamabad from August 26 to 28 upon Pakistan’s invitation. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met with the delegation to explore potential areas of collaboration. Pakistan’s team was led by Federal Minister Rana Tanveer Hussain and included senior officials from commerce and food security ministries, the prime minister’s agriculture and food security coordinator, and representatives from key sectors such as rice, red meat, processed foods, fruit concentrates, and green fodder.
During the visit, both parties reviewed the Pakistan-Saudi Arabia Agriculture and Food Strategic Plan and held meetings with the Special Investment Facilitation Council, Fauji Foundation, and the Pakistan-Saudi Arabia Agri-Business Forum. The Saudi delegation also toured the National Agricultural Research Centre.
Priority sectors identified for trade expansion include rice, red meat, fruits and fruit concentrates, green fodder, and water-efficient agricultural technologies, with a focus on deeper engagement with Saudi Arabia’s private sector. Pakistan currently exports around 169,000 tonnes of rice valued at $163 million annually to Saudi Arabia, with the Saudi side expressing interest in increasing this trade volume.
Similarly, Pakistan’s red meat exports to Saudi Arabia stand at approximately 30,000 tonnes per year, worth about $167 million. Saudi Arabia has shown interest in gradually doubling these imports. Fruit and fruit concentrates were also highlighted as promising areas for increasing Pakistan’s market share in the kingdom.
Both countries agreed to promote stronger business-to-business connections and private-sector matchmaking, along with exploring mutual recognition of quality certifications to facilitate smoother trade.
Green fodder emerged as a key area for expanding trade and establishing long-term supply partnerships. The two nations welcomed the successful completion of the first phase of a water-efficient irrigation project in Bhakkar, Punjab, and expressed interest in advancing a second phase to support small-scale farmers. Saudi Arabia also encouraged Pakistan to join the International Dates Council, a suggestion that Pakistan welcomed.
This collaboration reflects Saudi Arabia’s focus on securing dependable food supplies, while Pakistan aims to boost agricultural exports and attract investment and technology in farming and food processing.
Investment proposals from Pakistan’s private sector in livestock, agri-food processing, and the rice value chain were reviewed, with both sides agreeing to continue coordination to facilitate business engagement and investment opportunities.
The agreement aligns with Pakistan’s strategy to leverage its agricultural capabilities for export growth, value addition, and foreign investment attraction in livestock, food processing, irrigation, and agricultural technology. For Saudi Arabia, this partnership supports its food security objectives under Vision 2030, with Pakistan viewed as a vital market for agricultural and food exports.
In a broader strategic context, the two countries reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening their longstanding bilateral ties dating back to Pakistan’s independence in 1947. They highlighted the synergy between Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 food security goals and Pakistan’s agricultural export potential.
Additionally, Pakistan accepted an invitation to participate in the 43rd Saudi Agriculture Exhibition scheduled in Riyadh from October 19 to 22, 2026. Both sides expressed satisfaction with the Saudi delegation’s visit outcomes and committed to maintaining coordination to convert these agreements into tangible trade, investment, and agricultural cooperation.
The ambition to raise agricultural and food exports to $3 billion represents a significant step in deepening Pakistan-Saudi economic relations, especially if the planned increases in rice and meat exports are complemented by investments in processing, certification, logistics, and water-saving farming technologies.
