Farhan Qureshi 
Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have agreed to boost Pakistan Saudi Arabia trade by increasing Pakistan’s agricultural and food exports to Saudi Arabia to $3 billion over the next two years, marking a significant step in strengthening bilateral economic cooperation. During a high-level Saudi delegation’s visit to Islamabad from August 26 to 28, the target was discussed, focusing on agriculture, food security and private sector investment.
Pakistan, Saudi Arabia Upgrade Agriculture Trade Targets
The $3 billion export target being suggested is part of a broader initiative to make Pakistan-Saudi Arabia economic relations more robust through tangible commercial opportunities. The two countries have identified Pakistan’s production capacity to meet Saudi Arabia’s rising demand and food-security priorities in sectors including agriculture and food security.
The visiting Saudi delegation called on Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and discussed ways to enhance cooperation in the areas of agriculture and food security. The detailed discussions were led from the Pakistani side by the Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research Rana Tanveer Hussain along with senior officials and representatives of key food and agriculture sectors.
Rice Exports A Strong Foundation For Pakistan
Rice has become one of the strongest segments of the country’s agricultural exports to Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia imported about 169,000 tons of rice from Pakistan in 2025, in deals worth around $163 million.
Saudi Arabia is interested in increasing rice imports from Pakistan in the coming years. Existing trade volume is a good base for a bigger export target, especially if business linkages and arrangements for quality certification continue to develop.
Red Meat Is Another Big Export Hope
Another sector with significant potential for improved Pakistan-Saudi trade has been identified as red meat. Today, Pakistan exports some 30,000 tons of red meat annually to Saudi Arabia, with the value of those exports estimated at around US$167 million.
The Saudi side has expressed interest in doubling the imports of red meat from Pakistan. Such expansion could provide opportunities for livestock producers, meat processors, exporters and other businesses associated with the agricultural supply chain.
Pakistan Gets More Growth From Fruits And Concentrates
Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have identified major potential to increase Pakistan’s share in the Saudi market for fruits and fruit concentrates. The sector offers opportunities not only to exporters of fresh produce but also to businesses engaged in processing and value addition.
Fruit concentrates make it possible to place the processed product in international markets, thereby extending the commercial life of the agricultural product. Processing could provide Pakistani agricultural businesses with an increased opportunity to go beyond exporting raw commodities and create more diversified sources of income.
Interest In Green Fodder In Saudi Market
Another promising area in the Pakistan-Saudi agricultural partnership has been green fodder. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has identified the sector as one with potential for expanded trade and long-term supply partnerships.
The interest points out the value of reliable agricultural supply chains to Saudi Arabia’s food-security priorities. Pakistan’s agricultural base offers opportunities to develop commercial relationships to provide fodder and develop more markets for farmers and agricultural businesses.
Water-Efficient Technology Bolsters Cooperation
The priority areas of Pakistan and Saudi Arabia include agricultural technology, in particular technologies for improving water efficiency. The focus is strategic for Pakistan, as efficient water management can enhance agricultural productivity while addressing resource pressures.
The two sides appreciated the successful completion of the first phase of a water-efficient irrigation program in Bhakkar in Punjab province. There is also interest in a second phase that could provide additional support to small farmers.
Private Sector Investment Proposals Of Pakistan Get Attention
The Saudi delegation reviewed proposals for investment in the private sector of Pakistan in the livestock, agri-food processing and rice value chain. It was agreed to work together further to develop these opportunities and turn commercial proposals into concrete projects.
Meetings were also held with the Special Investment Facilitation Council, Fauji Foundation and the Pakistan-Saudi Arabia Agri-Business Forum. The Saudi delegation also visited the National Agricultural Research Centre, which exposed them to the agriculture research and development capabilities of Pakistan.
Pakistan Invited To Enhance Global Dates Cooperation
Saudi Arabia has also urged Pakistan to become a member of the International Dates Council, and the Pakistani side welcomed the proposal. Participation may offer another avenue for cooperation in a key agricultural commodity sector.
Dates are a well-established agricultural product in both Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, and there is scope for greater knowledge exchange and commercial collaboration. Institutional engagement through international agricultural platforms can also contribute to forging stronger links between producers and markets.
Saudi Vision 2030 A Perfect Match For Pakistan Agriculture
The discussions jointly held underscored strong convergence between the food-security priorities of Saudi Vision 2030 and Pakistan’s agricultural and food-export potential. This alignment provides a strategic foundation for growing commercial cooperation beyond the usual trade relations.
Saudi Arabia is looking for reliable food supply partnerships as part of its broader economic transformation, and Pakistan has a large agricultural production base and a mature food export sector. The combination provides opportunities for continued commercial dialogue between companies from both countries.
Saudi Arabia, Pakistan Pave The Way For Next Trade Phase
Both countries agreed to continue close coordination to translate the latest understandings into concrete trade, investment and food security initiatives. The $3 billion goal offers a clear commercial focus for the future activity of government institutions and private businesses.
Pakistan’s participation in the 43rd Saudi Agriculture Exhibition, which is scheduled to be held in Riyadh from October 19 to 22, 2026, is expected to provide yet another opportunity for Pakistani agricultural businesses to meet with Saudi companies and prospective investors. Such events can be of help in promoting direct commercial relations and displaying Pakistan’s export potential.
