Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have agreed to increase Pakistan’s agricultural and food exports to the Saudi market to $3 billion over the next two years, with rice, red meat, fruits, green fodder and water-efficient agricultural technologies identified as key areas for expansion.
The agreement was reached during the visit of Saudi Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture Engineer Abdulrahman Al Fadley to Islamabad from August 26 to August 28.
The Saudi delegation held discussions with Pakistan’s Ministry of National Food Security and Research as well as representatives from the government and private sector.
The two sides reviewed the Pakistan-Saudi Arabia Agriculture and Food Strategic Plan and discussed measures to strengthen cooperation between businesses and increase investment and trade across the agriculture and food value chains.
Rice exports identified as major opportunity
Rice is expected to be one of the main areas of growth under the new trade target.
Pakistan supplied approximately 169,000 tonnes of rice worth around $163 million to Saudi Arabia in 2025.
During the recent discussions, Saudi authorities expressed interest in increasing rice imports from Pakistan in the coming years.
The two countries also agreed to strengthen business-to-business connections and create greater opportunities for private companies involved in agricultural production, processing and exports.
Saudi Arabia seeks more Pakistani red meat
Red meat was another major area identified for expansion.
Pakistan currently exports around 30,000 tonnes of red meat annually to Saudi Arabia, with the shipments valued at approximately $167 million.
Saudi Arabia wants to gradually double its imports of Pakistani red meat, potentially creating additional opportunities for Pakistan’s livestock and meat-processing industries.
Greater cooperation in this area could also encourage investment in livestock production, processing facilities and supply-chain infrastructure.
Fruits, fodder and technology included
The discussions also identified fruits and fruit concentrates, green fodder and water-efficient agricultural technologies as sectors with significant potential.
Both countries agreed to promote private-sector matchmaking to connect businesses and explore new commercial opportunities.
They also discussed working toward the mutual recognition of quality certifications, which could help reduce trade barriers and make it easier for Pakistani agricultural and food products to enter the Saudi market.
Saudi Arabia showed particular interest in green fodder as a potential area for long-term supply partnerships.
Focus on water-efficient agriculture
Water-efficient agricultural technology also featured prominently in the discussions.
Pakistan and Saudi Arabia welcomed the completion of the first phase of a water-efficient irrigation programme in Bhakkar, Punjab.
The two sides also discussed a proposed second phase of the programme, which would focus on supporting small farmers.
The initiative is aimed at promoting more efficient use of water resources while improving agricultural productivity.
Investment opportunities discussed
The talks also covered proposals from Pakistani private-sector companies seeking investment opportunities in livestock, agri-food processing and the rice value chain.
The discussions are part of broader efforts to strengthen Saudi investment and commercial engagement with Pakistan’s agriculture sector.
Saudi Arabia also encouraged Pakistan to join the International Dates Council, while Pakistan welcomed an invitation to participate in the Saudi Agriculture Exhibition in Riyadh, scheduled to take place from October 19 to 22.
The exhibition could provide Pakistani companies with an opportunity to showcase agricultural products and establish new business connections in the Saudi market.
Growing Saudi interest in Pakistan’s agriculture
The latest agreement builds on increasing Saudi interest in Pakistan’s agriculture and food sectors.
In February, Saudi Assistant Minister of Investment Ibrahim Al Mubarak visited Islamabad and expressed interest in investment opportunities in Pakistan’s corporate farming sector, particularly in rice production.
The latest discussions indicate a broader focus on moving beyond individual investment proposals toward long-term trade and business partnerships.
Both countries have agreed to maintain coordination to turn the latest trade and investment commitments into practical projects.
If successfully implemented, the $3 billion export target could provide a significant boost to Pakistan’s agriculture and food industries while expanding access to the Saudi market.
The focus on rice, meat, fruits, fodder and agricultural technology also provides opportunities for Pakistani producers, exporters and private-sector companies to expand their presence in one of the country’s important regional markets.
Also read: Iran Considers Joining Pakistan-Saudi Defence Pact
