Pakistan targets $3 billion food and agricultural exports to Saudi Arabia
The two countries agreed to expand trade while strengthening cooperation in agriculture and food security.
The agreement was reached during a visit by a senior Saudi delegation to Islamabad. The delegation was led by Saudi Minister for Environment, Water and Agriculture Eng Abdulrahman A Alfadley.
Rice and meat exports in focus
Rice, red meat, fruits, fruit concentrates and green fodder have been identified as key areas for increasing exports. Water-saving agricultural technology is also expected to create new opportunities for cooperation and investment.
Pakistan exported around 169,000 tonnes of rice worth $163 million to Saudi Arabia in 2025. Saudi officials showed interest in buying more Pakistani rice in the future.
New opportunities for farmers and businesses
Pakistan exports around 30,000 tonnes of red meat each year, valued at about $167 million. Saudi Arabia wants to gradually double its imports of Pakistani red meat.
Both sides also agreed to improve links between businesses in the fruit and fruit concentrate sectors. They encouraged greater cooperation on quality standards and certification to make trade easier.
وزیراعظم کی سرپرستی میں پاکستان اور سعودی عرب کے درمیان زرعی شعبے میں اہم پیش رفت.
وزیراعظم کی ذاتی دلچسپی سے سعودی وزیرِ ماحولیات، پانی و زراعت اور وزارتِ قومی غذائی تحفظ و تحقیق کے درمیان کامیاب مذاکرات ہوئے.
مشترکہ اعلامیہ:
اسلامی جمہوریہ پاکستان اور مملکتِ سعودی عرب کے… pic.twitter.com/Alv2M6JTT1
Green fodder was also highlighted as a sector with strong potential. The two countries want to explore long-term supply partnerships in this area.
Agriculture investment gets wider focus
The two sides reviewed Pakistani investment proposals covering livestock, food processing and the rice supply chain. They agreed to continue discussions to move suitable projects forward.
Saudi officials also reviewed a water-efficient irrigation programme in Bhakkar, Punjab. After the first phase, both sides showed interest in developing a second phase aimed at helping small farmers.
Pakistan also welcomed Saudi Arabia’s suggestion to join the International Dates Council. The Saudi delegation visited agricultural institutions and held meetings with officials and business representatives during its Islamabad visit.
The $3bn target could give Pakistan’s agriculture sector a major boost if the agreements turn into actual export orders. Rice and meat appear to be the strongest areas because Saudi Arabia has already shown demand for both.
Better quality certification and stronger business links could also make it easier for Pakistani exporters to enter the Saudi market. Water-efficient farming projects may provide another benefit by helping farmers improve production while using less water.
The next challenge is implementation. Pakistan and Saudi Arabia will need regular coordination, investment and reliable supply chains to turn the ambitious target into real trade growth.
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