Agri deal with Riyadh

Pakistan has aptly connected the dots on its agrarian potential by mapping Saudi Arabia as a valued food export market. It plans to export $3 billion of food products, including red meat, within the next two years, in addition to expanding cooperation in water-efficient agricultural technologies. Since Saudi Arabia is predominantly a sprawling desert, green fodder has been identified as a major raw export ingredient. Moreover, fruits, concentrates, rice and cereals - alongside Pakistani textiles - are already in high demand. This new trade alignment coincides with Saudi Arabia's food security strategy under its Vision 2030, and it will go a long way in providing an impetus to Pakistan's desire to tap new forex avenues for its struggling economy.

Bilateral trade currently stands at $4.75 billion and is heavily tilted in Saudi Arabia's favour. As a net fuel importer, Pakistan's oil bill reaches $4.06 billion, while it exports only $687 million worth of goods to the Kingdom. This imbalance could be significantly rectified if the proposed food package materialises, acting as a catalyst for Pakistan's agrarian and livestock sectors to gear up for greater competition. Other Gulf states that are low on agrarian production - owing to harsh weather conditions and water scarcity - can also explore Pakistan as a viable market for food imports. Technology transfer is another lucrative domain that can be mutually tapped by both countries, expanding their existing water-efficient irrigation programme in Bhakkar. Similar initiatives for small farmers are the way forward for cooperation in agricultural sectors.

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. Saudi Arabia's affluent population of 35 million represents a lucrative market for premium food produce from Pakistan, helping forge a new network of entrepreneurial partnerships across the public and private sectors.