Islamabad and Riyadh plan stronger cooperation in meat, rice, processed food and animal fodder, with new investment initiatives under consideration.
Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have agreed to strengthen economic and agricultural cooperation across four key food-related sectors as both countries seek to expand bilateral trade and investment.
An important meeting focused on promoting Pakistan-Saudi agri-trade was held under the chairmanship of Federal Minister for Economic Affairs Ahad Cheema. Federal Minister for Information Attaullah Tarar, senior officials from the commerce and food security ministries, Chairman CDA and representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs also attended the meeting.
During the session, Ahad Cheema highlighted the upcoming visit of Saudi Minister for Environment, Water and Agriculture Abdul Rahman Al-Fadhli to Pakistan. He said the visit is expected to provide fresh momentum to agricultural trade, investment and collaboration between the two countries.
The Saudi delegation is also scheduled to visit the National Agriculture Research Center, where officials will brief the visitors on Pakistan’s agricultural research, development initiatives and opportunities for cooperation.
The meeting placed particular emphasis on expanding collaboration in meat, rice, processed food and animal fodder. These sectors were identified as areas with significant potential for increasing exports, developing joint ventures and attracting investment from Saudi Arabia.
Officials also discussed the possible establishment of a Pakistan-Saudi Agri-Investment Fund, which could provide a dedicated platform for supporting agricultural projects and strengthening private-sector participation. The signing of memorandums of understanding related to food and agricultural research is also expected as part of the broader cooperation framework.
Ahad Cheema said Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif wants to transform Pakistan’s longstanding relationship with Saudi Arabia into a stronger and more sustainable economic partnership. He directed relevant departments and stakeholders to develop commercially viable proposals that could translate bilateral ties into practical investment and trade opportunities.
The latest development reflects Pakistan’s broader efforts to expand agricultural exports, attract foreign investment and strengthen economic engagement with Saudi Arabia. Greater cooperation in food production, processing and research could also create new opportunities for businesses in both countries.