Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research Rana Tanveer Hussain met Saudi Ambassador to Pakistan Dr. Rajeh Tami Albugamy in Islamabad on November 03, 2026, to explore ways to deepen cooperation in agriculture, livestock, trade and investment.
Both sides reaffirmed their long-standing strategic and brotherly ties and said they were committed to turning political relations into economic and farm cooperation. The talks also reviewed a recent visit by the Saudi Minister of Agriculture and the formation of a joint technical team.
Pakistan pushes wider access for rice and halal meat
The minister said Pakistan was ready to expand agricultural exports to Saudi Arabia, particularly Basmati rice, halal meat, livestock products and green fodder. The ambassador noted that Pakistani rice accounts for around 10 percent of Saudi rice imports, while India supplies about 90 percent.
Both sides agreed to address issues of quality, competitiveness, supply volumes, packaging and commercial requirements. Participation in Saudi agricultural exhibitions and promotional activities for Basmati was also discussed.
Slaughterhouse approvals and proposed Saudi livestock investment
The meeting noted that 17 of 31 Pakistani slaughterhouses had received approval following a Saudi technical assessment. The minister proposed Saudi investment in modern, high-capacity slaughterhouses and livestock farms through joint ventures with Pakistani business groups.
Nine priority areas were also identified, including rice, meat, livestock, green fodder and dry camel milk. Both sides stressed private-sector engagement and business-to-business partnerships to turn these areas into practical results.
Saudi procurement standards and technical mechanism
The ambassador said Saudi Arabia was willing to buy more Pakistani farm products, subject to internationally competitive standards of quality, pricing, quantity and packaging. He pledged embassy support in coordinating with Saudi authorities and resolving outstanding issues.
Both sides agreed to use the recently established technical mechanism to remove trade and regulatory bottlenecks and speed progress on shared priorities.
