Pakistan, Saudi Arabia to deepen agriculture, food trade cooperation

Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have agreed to bolster agricultural and food trade relations, with Islamabad aiming to boost exports of such products to the Kingdom. This cooperation will be strengthened through enhanced market linkages, investments, and private-sector collaborations, as discussed during a meeting chaired by Federal Minister for Economic Affairs and Establishment Division Senator Ahad Cheema.

The meeting involved prominent officials from the Federal Ministry, Commerce, National Food Security and Research departments, as well as the Saudi Minister for Environment, Water and Agriculture Abdulrahman Al-Fadley. The Saudi delegation plans to explore potential investment and joint venture opportunities, focusing on sectors like meat, rice, processed food, and animal fodder.

Moreover, the delegation will engage with provincial agriculture ministers and Pakistani business groups to delve into trade and investment prospects. Both nations are also set to sign several Memorandums of Understanding, covering areas like food research and the proposed formation of a Pakistan-Saudi Agri Investment Fund. Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has expressed his desire to translate the historical friendship between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia into robust economic, trade, and investment partnerships, emphasizing the potential for fresh momentum in bilateral agricultural cooperation following the Saudi delegation's visit.