Pakistan, Saudi Arabia Agree to Push Agricultural Exports to $3 Billion in Major Breakthrough

ISLAMABAD — Under the personal interest and patronage of Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have concluded successful talks on strengthening agricultural and food security cooperation, resulting in a joint declaration.
A high-level Saudi delegation led by Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture Engineer Abdulrahman A. Al-Fadhli visited Islamabad from August 26–28, 2026. The Pakistani delegation was led by Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research Rana Tanveer Hussain.
Key Highlights:
Both countries committed to raising Pakistan’s agriculture and food exports to Saudi Arabia to US$3 billion within two years.
Rice: Pakistan supplied ~169,000 tons (worth $163 million) to Saudi Arabia in 2025; both sides agreed to expand trade further.
Red Meat: Annual supply of ~30,000 tons ($167 million) reviewed; Saudi Arabia expressed interest in doubling imports.
Fruits and Concentrates: Significant potential identified to expand Pakistan’s export share.
Green Fodder: Interest in long-term supply partnerships; both welcomed completion of Phase-I of the Bhakkar irrigation program.
Saudi delegation invited Pakistan to join the International Dates Council.
Both sides welcomed participation in the 43rd Saudi Agriculture Exhibition, Riyadh, October 19–22, 2026.
Reaffirming historic ties dating to 1947, both sides agreed to maintain close coordination to implement these understandings.