In a major boost to bilateral economic ties, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have committed to expanding Pakistani food and agricultural exports to the Kingdom to $3 billion within the next two years. The joint announcement follows a high-level visit to Islamabad from August 26–28 by a Saudi delegation led by Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture Engineer Abdulrahman Al-Fadley.
Priority Sectors and Key Targets
- Rice: Building on the 169,000 tonnes ($163 million) supplied in 2025, Saudi Arabia aims to further scale up rice imports.
- Red Meat: Plans are underway to gradually double imports from Pakistan’s current annual supply of 30,000 tonnes ($167 million).
- Fruit Concentrates & Green Fodder: Identified as key growth areas, with focus on B2B linkages, quality certifications, and long-term supply partnerships.
- Agri-Tech & Irrigation: Both nations highlighted the success of Phase 1 of a water-efficient irrigation project in Bhakkar, Punjab, with interest in expanding to Phase 2 for small farmers.
Strengthening Strategic Partnerships Initiated under Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, the framework aligns Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 food security goals with Pakistan’s export capabilities. Talks led by Federal Minister Rana Tanveer Hussain involved key briefings with the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC), Fauji Foundation, and visits to the National Agricultural Research Centre (NARC).
Pakistan was also invited to join the International Dates Council and participate in the 43rd Saudi Agriculture Exhibition in Riyadh this October.
