Islamabad, Riyadh agree to boost Pakistani agri and food exports to $3bn

Islamabad and Riyadh have agreed to increase Pakistani agricultural and food exports to Saudi Arabia to a potential value of $3 billion, according to a joint statement released on Sunday. The agreement was reached after talks between the Saudi Ministry of Agriculture and Pakistan's Food Security Ministry, led by Saudi Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture Engineer Abdulrahman Al-Fadley. The delegation visited Islamabad from August 26 to August 28 and discussed potential areas of cooperation.

The two countries shared a commitment to achieving the $3 billion target within two years by focusing on priority sectors like rice, red meat, fruits, green fodder, and water-efficient agricultural technologies. In 2025, Pakistan supplied around 169,000 tonnes of rice worth approximately $163 million to the Saudi market. Saudi Arabia expressed interest in doubling its rice imports from Pakistan and expanding its red meat imports, which currently stand at around 30,000 tonnes annually.

Both sides encouraged measures to facilitate business-to-business linkages and mutual recognition of quality certifications. The Saudi delegation also encouraged Pakistan to join the International Dates Council. Both countries reaffirmed their broader strategic partnership and welcomed an invitation for Pakistan to participate in the 43rd Saudi Agriculture Exhibition, scheduled for October 19 to 22, 2023.