In a major push to deepen bilateral economic ties, Pakistan’s Punjab province has announced an ambitious plan to target over $1.8 billion in food exports to Saudi Arabia.
The commitment was reaffirmed during a high-level meeting between Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif and Saudi Arabia’s Ambassador to Pakistan, Dr. Rajeh Albugamy. The discussions focused on expanding trade, scaling up agricultural shipments, and unlocking new avenues of economic collaboration between the two brotherly nations.
Key Highlights of the Agreement
- Comprehensive Agri-Exports: Punjab aims to significantly expand exports of halal-certified food products, focusing on rice, citrus fruits (kinnow), mangoes, potatoes, vegetables, livestock, beef, and poultry.
- Leveraging Punjab’s Agri-Powerhouse: As the country’s primary agricultural hub, Punjab accounts for the majority of Pakistan’s yield in food staples, positioning it to become a primary and reliable food supplier for the Kingdom.
- Economic Footprint: CM Maryam Nawaz highlighted that Saudi Arabia remains Pakistan’s largest source of remittances, contributing nearly $9.8 billion annually, while expressing gratitude for the Saudi leadership’s steadfast economic support.
“Punjab can become a reliable supplier of Halal-certified food products to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia… Shared economic strength surely guarantees shared security.”
— Maryam Nawaz Sharif, Chief Minister of Punjab
Strengthening Strategic & Regional Ties
Beyond commercial trade, the leaders touched upon broader strategic and cultural connections:
- Solidarity Against Regional Threats: CM Sharif strongly condemned Houthi attacks on the Kingdom, expressing regret over lost lives and reiterating that the people of Pakistan stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Saudi Arabia in protecting its sovereignty and territorial integrity.
- Promoting Tourism & Heritage: Expressing admiration for Punjab’s rich cultural tradition and Mughal-era architecture, Ambassador Albugamy praised the hospitality of Lahore. CM Maryam Nawaz also extended an invitation to Saudi citizens to visit Punjab’s historic and tourist destinations.
Building on Recent Momentum
This initiative aligns with the strategic economic cooperation framework agreed upon by both nations, building on the 34 Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) worth $2.8 billion signed in 2024 across key industrial, energy, and agricultural sectors. Both sides agreed to continue stream-lining trade procedures to rapidly realize the newly set $1.8 billion target.
