Saudi Arabia’s flagship tech event takes another ‘LEAP’

Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have set their sights on a combined goal of $3 billion worth of agricultural and food exports between the two nations over the next two years. This significant cooperation was reached during talks between Saudi Environment, Water and Agriculture Minister Abdulrahman Al-Fadley and Pakistan's Ministry of National Food Security and Research, chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

A Saudi delegation led by Al-Fadley visited Islamabad from August 26 to 28, accompanied by officials from the Saudi Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture, the General Food Security Authority, and other relevant institutions. They met with the Pakistani delegation led by Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research Rana Tanveer Hussain, including Commerce Secretary Jawad Paul, among others.

During the visit, the Saudi delegation was informed about the Pakistan-Saudi Arabia Agriculture and Food Strategic Plan, discussed potential collaboration areas, and visited the National Agricultural Research Centre (NARC). Rice, red meat, fruits, and fodder were identified as priority sectors for growth.

In 2025, Pakistan shipped 169,000 tonnes of rice to Saudi Arabia, worth approximately $163 million. The Saudi side expressed interest in further expanding rice trade. For red meat, the two countries reviewed annual supplies of around 30,000 tonnes, valued at $167 million, with a potential to double Saudi imports from Pakistan.

Both nations recognized the potential for increasing Pakistan's share in the Saudi market for fruits and fruit concentrates, encouraging measures to facilitate business-to-business matchmaking, strengthen private-sector ties, and promote mutual recognition of quality certifications. Saudi Arabia also saw promise in green fodder as a trade area and a long-term supply partnership.

The two countries welcomed the completion of the first phase of a water-efficient irrigation program in Bhakkar, Punjab, and showed interest in a proposed second phase for small-scale farmers. Saudi Arabia encouraged Pakistan to join the International Dates Council, which was welcomed by Pakistan. Lastly, both nations reaffirmed their broader strategic partnership and expressed satisfaction with the visit's outcome, agreeing to maintain engagement for practical cooperation.