Pakistan, Saudi Arabia explore joint ventures in meat processing & livestock development

ISLAMABAD, Nov 03 (APP): Pakistan and Saudi Arabia on Tuesday expressed their commitment to translating strong political ties into tangible economic and agricultural cooperation.

The consensus to regard was developed in a meeting between Minister for National Food Security & Research, Rana Tanveer Hussain and Saudi Ambassador to Pakistan, Dr. Rajeh Tami Albugamy, which was held to explore avenues for strengthening bilateral cooperation in agriculture, livestock, trade and investment.

The discussions also covered follow-up on the recent visit of the Saudi Minister of Agriculture and the establishment of a joint technical team to advance cooperation in priority areas.

The Federal Minister emphasized Pakistan’s readiness to enhance agricultural exports to Saudi Arabia, particularly Basmati rice, halal meat, livestock products and green fodder.

Particular focus was placed on increasing Pakistan’s share in the Saudi rice market. The Saudi Ambassador noted that Pakistani rice currently accounts for around 10 percent of Saudi rice imports, compared to approximately 90 percent from India.

Both sides agreed to address challenges relating to quality, competitiveness, supply volumes, packaging and commercial requirements to enhance Pakistan’s market share.

Participation in Saudi agricultural exhibitions and promotional activities for Pakistani Basmati rice were also discussed.

On livestock and meat exports, Pakistan highlighted its substantial livestock potential and readiness to expand halal meat supplies to Saudi Arabia.

The meeting noted that 17 out of 31 Pakistani slaughterhouses had received approval following Saudi technical assessment.

The Minister also proposed Saudi investment in modern, high-capacity slaughterhouses and associated livestock farms through joint ventures with Pakistani business groups to develop disease-controlled supply chains and strengthen export capacity.

The meeting also discussed cooperation in nine identified priority areas, including rice, meat and livestock, green fodder and dry camel milk.

Both sides emphasized the importance of private-sector engagement, business-to-business partnerships and investment opportunities to translate these areas into practical outcomes.

The Saudi Ambassador expressed his country’s willingness to increase procurement of Pakistani agricultural products, subject to internationally competitive standards of quality, pricing, quantity and packaging.

He assured the Embassy’s support in facilitating coordination with relevant Saudi authorities and resolving outstanding issues through regular bilateral engagement.

Both sides agreed to actively utilize the recently established technical mechanism to address trade and regulatory bottlenecks and accelerate progress on identified areas of cooperation.