Pakistan Eyes $3 Billion Food Export Deal with Saudi Arabia
Pakistan has identified Saudi Arabia as a valued food export market and plans to export $3 billion of food products within the next two years. This new trade alignment coincides with Saudi Arabia's food security strategy under its Vision 2030, which aims to reduce reliance on imports.
The current bilateral trade stands at $4.75 billion, but is heavily tilted in Saudi Arabia's favour, with Pakistan importing $4.06 billion worth of oil and exporting only $687 million worth of goods. This imbalance could be significantly rectified if the proposed food package materialises, boosting Pakistan's agrarian and livestock sectors.
Pakistan aims to export red meat, fruits, concentrates, rice, and cereals to Saudi Arabia, taking advantage of the kingdom's affluent population of 35 million. Technology transfer is also a lucrative domain that can be mutually tapped by both countries, expanding their existing water-efficient irrigation programme in Bhakkar.
The new understanding on agricultural trade necessitates pivotal research in both countries to identify products that can be cultivated and marketed more effectively. In 2025, Pakistan exported $163 million worth of rice and $167 million worth of red meat to the kingdom.