Pakistan, Saudi Arabia Target $3 Billion In Agri, Food Exports

Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have signed an agreement to boost agricultural and food exports from Pakistan to the Saudi market to reach $3 billion within two years. The deal, finalized during Saudi Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture Engineer Abdulrahman Al Fadley's visit to Islamabad from August 26 to August 28, focuses on rice, red meat, fruits, green fodder, and water-efficient agricultural technologies.

Both countries reviewed the Pakistan-Saudi Arabia Agriculture and Food Strategic Plan and discussed expanding private sector cooperation. Rice, currently valued at around $163 million with 169,000 tonnes exported to Saudi Arabia in 2025, is expected to be a major growth area, with Saudi appetite for Pakistani rice projected to grow.

Red meat imports from Pakistan, currently valued at $167 million from 30,000 tonnes annually, are also targeted for a potential doubling. Fruits, fruit concentrates, green fodder, and water-efficient agricultural technologies were identified as areas with significant growth potential. Both nations agreed to promote private sector matchmaking and work towards mutual recognition of quality certifications to facilitate trade.

The agreement also welcomes Saudi interest in green fodder and potential investment in Pakistani private sector ventures in livestock, agri-food processing, and rice value chains. Saudi Arabia encouraged Pakistan to join the International Dates Council, while Pakistan expressed interest in participating in the Saudi Agriculture Exhibition in Riyadh from October 19 to 22.

The pact follows Saudi Assistant Minister of Investment Ibrahim Al Mubarak's February visit to Islamabad, where he showed interest in corporate farming investments in Pakistan's rice sector. Both sides have pledged to maintain coordination to convert the latest trade and investment commitments into practical projects.