Pakistan eyes bigger share of Saudi rice market

Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have agreed to activate a joint technical mechanism to address trade barriers and expand agricultural cooperation, Mettis Global reported on November 04, 2026. Islamabad wants to increase its position in Saudi Arabia’s rice imports, where Pakistani supply accounts for about 10%, compared with roughly 90% from India.

Pakistan proposed greater shipments of Basmati rice, meat, livestock goods and green fodder, and invited Saudi investment in modern abattoirs and livestock farms. Riyadh said it was ready to purchase more Pakistani agricultural goods if they satisfy international requirements for quality, price, volume and packaging. The talks also covered nine priority areas, and officials noted that 17 of Pakistan’s 31 slaughterhouses had passed Saudi technical assessment.