Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Turkiye to hold first meeting under Makkah pact in Istanbul on Monday

Riyadh — In a joint statement following the Saudi delegation's visit to Pakistan from August 26 to 28, both nations expressed their intention to raise Pakistani agricultural and food exports to Saudi Arabia to a projected $3 billion. The delegation, led by Saudi Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture Eng. Abdulrahman Al-Fadhly, included senior ministry officials and representatives from the General Authority for Food Security.

Pakistani counterpart Minister of State for Food Security and Research Rana Tanveer Hussain presided over the delegation, comprising government officials and private sector representatives. Discussions emphasized strengthening food security priorities and boosting export capabilities within the sector. Key areas of focus included rice, red meat, fruits and fruit concentrates, green fodder, and water-efficient agricultural technologies.

Pakistani rice exports to Saudi Arabia in 2025 reached approximately 169,000 tons, valued at $163 million. The Kingdom showed interest in doubling Pakistani meat imports, currently at around 30,000 tons annually, worth $167 million. Both countries identified promising opportunities in the fruit sector and agreed to expand Pakistan's market share.

The Saudi delegation advocated for Pakistan's involvement in the International Date Council, which was welcomed by Pakistan. Both nations expressed satisfaction with the first phase of the Water-Saving Irrigation Program in Bhakar, Punjab, and discussed the proposed second phase aimed at supporting small farmers. Investment proposals from Pakistani private sector companies in livestock, agricultural processing, and rice value chains were also reviewed.

The Saudi delegation toured the National Agricultural Research Centre (NARC) and reaffirmed their commitment to the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries. Pakistan welcomed the invitation to attend the 43rd Saudi Agriculture Exhibition in Riyadh in October.