Pakistan and Saudi Arabia target $3 billion in agri-food exports

agricultural exports food security trade agreement rice exports red meat trade

Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have reached an agreement to increase Pakistan’s agricultural and food exports to the Saudi market to $3 billion over the next two years. The deal was finalized during a visit to Islamabad by Saudi Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture, Engineer Abdulrahman Al Fadley, from August 26 to August 28.

Key priority areas for trade expansion include rice, red meat, fruits, fruit concentrates, green fodder, and water-efficient agricultural technologies. Saudi authorities expressed specific interest in increasing rice imports, noting that Pakistan supplied approximately 169,000 tonnes of rice valued at $163 million in 2025. Additionally, both nations aim to expand the red meat trade, which currently sees Pakistan exporting roughly 30,000 tonnes annually worth $167 million.

The agreement also emphasizes strengthening business-to-business connections, promoting mutual recognition of quality certifications, and increasing investment across the agriculture and food value chains.