ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Punjab province is targeting more than $1.8 billion in food exports to Saudi Arabia as it seeks to expand agricultural trade and strengthen economic ties with the Kingdom, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif said on Wednesday.
The target was discussed during a meeting between Maryam Nawaz and Saudi Ambassador to Pakistan Dr Rajeh Albugamy in Lahore, with both sides exploring ways to increase exports of rice, fruit, vegetables, livestock products, beef and poultry.
According to a statement, Maryam Nawaz said the province had the potential to become a reliable supplier of halal-certified food products to Saudi Arabia.
“Discussions were held on leveraging Punjab’s resources and potential to increase exports of livestock, beef, poultry, fruits, and vegetables,” she said.
Punjab is a major contributor to Pakistan’s agricultural output, producing substantial quantities of wheat, rice, citrus fruits, vegetables and livestock products.
Expanding access to the Saudi market could provide new opportunities for the province’s farmers, livestock producers and food-processing industry.
During the meeting, Maryam Nawaz also described Saudi Arabia as Pakistan’s largest source of remittances, saying it contributed around $9.8 billion annually. She thanked the Saudi leadership for its continued economic and financial support to Pakistan.
The meeting took place against the backdrop of efforts by Islamabad and Riyadh to deepen bilateral trade and investment ties.
In October 2025, the two countries agreed to establish an economic cooperation framework during Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s visit to Riyadh.
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Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have maintained close relations for decades and have sought to broaden cooperation across several sectors.
In 2024, the two countries signed 34 memorandums of understanding worth $2.8 billion covering multiple areas of cooperation.
The Punjab chief minister also condemned Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia and expressed regret over the loss of human lives.
“The people of Pakistan and Punjab stand shoulder to shoulder with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia,” she said, adding that shared economic strength could help reinforce shared security.
The proposed food-export expansion reflects Punjab’s ambition to capitalise on its agricultural capacity and growing economic engagement with Saudi Arabia.
