Islamabad: Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have made significant progress in strengthening cooperation in the agricultural sector, with successful discussions held on expanding their partnership in agriculture and food security.
According to a joint statement, a Saudi delegation led by Saudi Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture Abdulrahman A. Al-Fadley visited Pakistan from August 26 to 28. The delegation included senior officials from the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture, the General Food Security Authority and other relevant institutions.
The two countries expressed their commitment to increasing Pakistan’s exports to Saudi Arabia to $3 billion, with efforts to achieve the target over the next two years.
The Saudi delegation also met Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to discuss potential areas of cooperation. Pakistan’s delegation was led by Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research Rana Tanveer Hussain. During the visit, officials held briefings on the proposed Pakistan-Saudi Agriculture and Food Strategic Plan.
The Saudi delegation visited the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC), Fauji Foundation, the Pak-Saudi Agri Business Forum and the National Agricultural Research Centre. Both sides reaffirmed their deep, historic and brotherly relations.
The joint statement noted that Pakistan supplied around 169,000 tonnes of rice to the Saudi market in 2025, with exports valued at approximately $163 million. The Saudi side expressed interest in further expanding bilateral rice trade in the coming years.
Saudi Arabia also expressed interest in gradually doubling imports of red meat from Pakistan. The two sides identified significant opportunities to increase Pakistan’s share in Saudi markets for fruits and fruit concentrates.
The Saudi delegation described green fodder as a promising sector for establishing a long-term supply partnership. Both sides welcomed the successful completion of the first phase of an irrigation programme in Bhakkar, Punjab.
The Saudi delegation also encouraged Pakistan to join the International Dates Council, highlighting the potential for further cooperation in the agricultural and food sectors.
The latest talks reflect growing economic cooperation between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, particularly in agriculture, food security, exports, irrigation and agri-business.
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