Islamabad: (RightNow) Significant progress has been made in the agricultural sector between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. Both nations aim to increase Pakistan’s agricultural and food exports to Saudi Arabia to $3 billion over the next two years.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s personal interest and Federal Minister for Food Security Rana Tanveer Hussain’s leadership led to successful negotiations with the Saudi Minister of Environment, Water, and Agriculture. These talks took place during the Saudi Minister’s visit to Islamabad.

During the visit, the Saudi delegation received a detailed briefing on the Pak-Saudi Agriculture and Food Strategic Plan. Important meetings were also held with the SIFC and the Agri-Business Forum.

Both parties expressed interest in increasing rice trade and doubling the export of red meat from Pakistan. The import of Pakistani fruits and green fodder was also welcomed in Saudi Arabia.

It is noteworthy that the Saudi delegation praised the successful irrigation model in Bhakkar and showed willingness to invest in small farmers.