ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) – Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have agreed to significantly expand agricultural trade and investment, setting a target of increasing Pakistani agricultural and food exports to the Kingdom to $3 billion over the next two years.
The agreement marks a major step towards strengthening food-security cooperation between the two countries, with rice, red meat, fruits, concentrates and green fodder identified as priority sectors.
According to a joint statement on agricultural cooperation, the two sides also agreed to explore investment opportunities and promote modern farming technologies focused on efficient water use, irrigation and support for small farmers.
The initiative follows a visit to Islamabad by a Saudi delegation led by the Kingdom’s minister for environment, water and agriculture from Aug. 26 to 28.
During the visit, the delegation met Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and held discussions on expanding agricultural cooperation as part of the broader strategic partnership between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.
Saudi Arabia eyes more Pakistani rice
Rice is expected to be one of the major beneficiaries of the expanded trade relationship.
Saudi Arabia expressed interest in increasing rice purchases from Pakistan. In 2025, Pakistan exported approximately 169,000 tonnes of rice worth about $163 million to the Saudi market, according to the joint statement.
Greater access to the Saudi market could provide Pakistani rice exporters with an important opportunity to increase shipments and diversify their overseas customer base.
Red meat exports could double
Saudi Arabia also indicated an interest in gradually doubling imports of Pakistani red meat.
Pakistan currently exports around 30,000 tonnes of red meat annually to Saudi Arabia, valued at approximately $167 million.
Livestock and meat processing have consequently emerged as important areas for potential investment, particularly as Saudi Arabia seeks reliable food supply chains and Pakistan looks for higher-value export markets.
The two countries also identified considerable potential for expanding trade in fresh fruits and fruit concentrates and increasing the share of Pakistani produce in the Saudi market.
Investment in agriculture and food processing
Beyond commodity exports, Islamabad and Riyadh discussed investment proposals covering livestock, agri-food processing and the rice value chain.
Both sides agreed to facilitate business-to-business connections between private-sector companies and encourage steps towards mutual recognition of quality certification for agricultural products.
Such measures could help exporters address technical and regulatory barriers and make it easier for Pakistani products to enter the Saudi market.
Green fodder was identified by the Saudi side as another promising area for a long-term supply partnership.
Cooperation is also expected to extend to agricultural technology and water conservation.
The first phase of a water-efficient irrigation programme in Bhakkar was described as successful, while Saudi Arabia expressed interest in a second phase focusing on small farmers.
Broader agricultural partnership
The two countries agreed to maintain regular engagement to identify new investment projects and expand cooperation across the agricultural sector.
Saudi Arabia also encouraged Pakistan to join the International Dates Council, potentially opening another avenue for cooperation in date production, processing and international marketing.
Pakistan, meanwhile, welcomed an invitation to participate in the 43rd Saudi Agriculture exhibition, scheduled to be held in Riyadh from Oct. 19 to 22, 2026.
Both sides reaffirmed their longstanding bilateral relationship and expressed satisfaction with the outcome of the agricultural discussions.