Pakistan and Saudi Arabia Strengthen Agricultural Cooperation With New Trade Plan
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has led efforts to strengthen Pakistan-Saudi Arabia agricultural cooperation following high-level bilateral talks held in Islamabad from August 26 to 28, 2026. The three-day negotiations between Saudi Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture Engineer Abdulrahman A. Al-Fadley and Pakistan’s Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research Rana Tanveer Hussain resulted in a comprehensive Joint Statement focused on food security, agricultural investment and trade.
The Saudi delegation, which included officials from the General Food Security Authority and other institutions, also met Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to discuss strategic cooperation. During the visit, the delegations reviewed Pakistan’s Agriculture and Food Strategic Plan and held meetings with the Special Investment Facilitation Council, Fauji Foundation and the Pakistan-Saudi Arabia Agribusiness Forum. The Saudi officials also visited the National Agricultural Research Centre.
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Both countries agreed to target an increase in Pakistan’s agri-food exports to Saudi Arabia to $3 billion within the next two years. Key areas identified for cooperation include rice, red meat, fruits, green fodder and water-efficient agricultural technologies, with the initiatives aligned with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 food security objectives and Pakistan’s agricultural export potential.
According to trade data reviewed during the talks, Pakistan exported around 169,000 metric tons of rice worth $163 million to Saudi Arabia in 2025. Pakistan currently supplies approximately 30,000 metric tons of red meat annually, valued at $167 million, while the Saudi side expressed interest in doubling meat imports. Both sides also agreed to promote fruit exports through business matchmaking and mutual recognition of quality standards.
The two countries further agreed to explore private-sector investment opportunities in livestock and food processing. Saudi Arabia identified green fodder as a promising trade sector and welcomed the completion of the first phase of a water-efficient irrigation project in Bhakkar, Punjab. Pakistan was also invited to participate in Phase II of the project and join the International Dates Council, while a Pakistani delegation is expected to attend the 43rd Saudi Agriculture Exhibition in Riyadh from October 19 to 22, 2026.
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