Islamabad: Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have reached an agreement to increase agricultural and food exports from Pakistan to Saudi Arabia, targeting a trade volume of three billion dollars over the next two years. The discussions took place during the Saudi delegation's visit to Islamabad, from August 26 to 28, at the behest of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
According to Radio Pakistan, the negotiations were led by Pakistan's Minister for National Food Security and Research, Rana Tanveer Hussain, and Saudi Arabia's Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture, Engineer Abdulrahman A. Al-Fadley. The talks culminated in a joint communiqu© highlighting key areas for cooperation, including rice, red meat, fruits and fruit concentrates, green fodder, and water-efficient agricultural technologies.
During the discussions, it was noted that Pakistan had supplied Saudi Arabia with approximately 169,000 tonnes of rice, valued at around 163 million dollars, as of 2025. The Saudi delegation showed interest in increasing rice imports from Pakistan in future years. Furthermore, both nations reviewed Pakistan's annual supply of 30,000 tonnes of red meat to Saudi Arabia, valued at 167 million dollars.
The agreement also emphasized enhancing business-to-business linkages, fostering mutual recognition of quality certifications, and promoting exports of fruits and fruit concentrates. Green fodder was recognized as a potential area for expanding trade and establishing long-term supply partnerships between the two countries.
The successful completion of the first phase of a water-efficient irrigation program in Bhakkar, Punjab, was welcomed by both parties, with an interest in progressing to a proposed second phase aimed at benefiting small farmers. Additionally, Saudi Arabia encouraged Pakistan to join the International Dates Council, an invitation that was positively received by the Pakistani delegation.
Investment proposals from Pakistan's private sector in livestock, agri-food processing, and the rice value chain were discussed. The Saudi delegation was briefed on the Pakistan-Saudi Arabia Agriculture and Food Strategic Plan and engaged with various entities, including the Special Investment Facilitation Council, Fauji Foundation, and the Pakistan-Saudi Arabia Agri-Business Forum. They also visited the National Agricultural Research Centre.
Pakistan accepted an invitation to participate in the upcoming 43rd Saudi Agriculture Exhibition in Riyadh, scheduled from October 19 to October 22. Both countries expressed satisfaction with the outcomes of the delegation's visit and committed to maintaining close coordination to transform their agreements into practical cooperation.