Pakistan, Saudi Arabia Set $3 Billion Target for Agricultural and Food Exports | ChatZyr

Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have agreed to work towards increasing Pakistan’s agricultural and food exports to Saudi Arabia to $3 billion over the next two years, according to a joint statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office on Sunday.

The understanding was reached during talks between Pakistan’s Ministry of National Food Security and Research and Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture, following an initiative by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

A Saudi delegation led by Environment, Water and Agriculture Minister Abdulrahman Al-Fadley visited Islamabad from August 26 to 28 at the invitation of the Pakistani government.

Rice, meat and fruits among priority sectors

The two countries identified rice, red meat, fruits and fruit concentrates, green fodder and water-efficient agricultural technologies as priority areas for expanding trade.

The focus will include greater cooperation with the Saudi private sector, with both sides seeking stronger business-to-business links and long-term commercial partnerships.

Prime Minister Shehbaz also met the Saudi delegation on Friday to discuss potential areas of cooperation.

Pakistan already has a presence in Saudi food market

Pakistan supplied around 169,000 tonnes of rice worth approximately $163 million to Saudi Arabia in 2025, according to the joint statement.

Saudi officials expressed interest in further increasing rice imports from Pakistan in the coming years.

Red meat is another area where both sides see room for expansion. Pakistan currently supplies around 30,000 tonnes of red meat annually, valued at approximately $167 million.

The Saudi side expressed interest in gradually doubling red-meat imports from Pakistan.

The two countries also identified significant potential to increase Pakistan’s share of the Saudi market for fruits and fruit concentrates.

Green fodder emerges as another opportunity

Saudi Arabia also identified green fodder as a promising area for expanding bilateral trade and establishing long-term supply arrangements.

For Pakistan, the sector could open another export opportunity while creating demand for agricultural production and supply chains.

Both sides also discussed ways to improve business-to-business connections and encouraged the mutual recognition of quality certifications — an important step for exporters seeking greater access to the Saudi market.

Water-efficient farming gains attention

The talks were not limited to food exports.

Pakistan and Saudi Arabia also reviewed cooperation on water-efficient agricultural technologies, reflecting the importance of water management to both countries.

The two sides welcomed the successful completion of the first phase of a water-efficient irrigation programme in Bhakkar, Punjab, and expressed interest in a proposed second phase targeting small farmers.

Saudi Arabia also encouraged Pakistan to join the International Dates Council, a proposal welcomed by Islamabad.

Saudi delegation reviews investment opportunities

During the visit, the Saudi delegation received briefings on the Pakistan-Saudi Arabia Agriculture and Food Strategic Plan and held meetings with the Special Investment Facilitation Council, Fauji Foundation and the Pakistan-Saudi Arabia Agri-Business Forum.

The delegation also visited the National Agricultural Research Centre.

Investment proposals from Pakistan’s private sector covering livestock, agri-food processing and the rice value chain were also reviewed.

Both sides agreed to maintain coordination to advance cooperation in these areas.

Vision 2030 and Pakistan’s agriculture sector

The latest discussions reflect an effort to align Pakistan’s agricultural export potential with Saudi Arabia’s food-security priorities under Vision 2030.

Saudi Arabia is seeking reliable food supplies and stronger agricultural partnerships, while Pakistan is looking to expand exports and attract investment into agriculture, livestock and food processing.

The proposed $3 billion target therefore extends beyond simply selling more agricultural products.

It also involves improving production, quality standards, certification, processing capacity, logistics and connections between businesses in both countries.

Pakistan invited to Saudi Agriculture Exhibition

Pakistan has also welcomed an invitation to participate in the 43rd Saudi Agriculture Exhibition, scheduled to take place in Riyadh from October 19 to 22.

The exhibition could provide Pakistani companies with an opportunity to showcase agricultural products and technologies and establish new commercial relationships with Saudi businesses.

The invitation comes as both governments seek to increase private-sector participation in their growing agricultural partnership.

From target to trade

The $3 billion figure is a target, not a guaranteed export value.

Reaching it over the next two years will depend on whether Pakistani exporters can meet Saudi demand at competitive prices while maintaining quality, certification and reliable supply.

The joint statement shows that both governments want to move beyond broad commitments and encourage practical cooperation between businesses.

For Pakistan, success could mean a larger market for farmers, livestock producers, food processors and exporters.

For Saudi Arabia, stronger sourcing from Pakistan could contribute to its broader food-security strategy.

Both sides expressed satisfaction with the outcome of the Saudi delegation’s visit and agreed to continue coordination to turn the understandings reached into practical cooperation.

If implemented successfully, the plan could significantly deepen the economic relationship between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia and give Pakistani agricultural and food products a larger presence in the Saudi market.

Why it matters: Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have set an ambitious $3 billion target for Pakistani agricultural and food exports over the next two years, with rice, red meat, fruits, green fodder and water-efficient technologies identified as key areas. The real test will now be turning the target into actual trade through stronger production, certification, investment and private-sector partnerships.

Disclaimer: This report is based on the joint statement issued by Pakistan’s Prime Minister’s Office and other publicly available information at the time of publication. The $3 billion figure is an agreed target, not a guaranteed export value, and actual trade may vary depending on market conditions and implementation.

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Written By Editorial Desk | Team ChatZyr