Punjab, Saudi Arabia set Rs500b export target

LAHORE – Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif and newly appointed Saudi Ambassador to Pakistan Dr Rajeh Albugamy have discussed expanding bilateral trade, with a target of more than Rs500 billion in exports of livestock, beef, poultry, mangoes, potatoes and shrimp to Saudi Arabia. During a meeting at which the chief minister welcomed the ambassador and congratulated him on assuming his diplomatic responsibilities, the two sides also discussed organising a PIVOT roadshow in Riyadh to attract investment in Punjab.
Ms Maryam said Punjab had considerable potential to become a reliable supplier of halal-certified food products to Saudi Arabia, adding that the province could sigificantly increase exports of livestock, meat, poultry, fruits and vegetables to the Kingdom. The chief minister expressed gratitude to the Saudi leadership for its economic and financial assistance to Pakistan, describing the two countries’ longstanding relationship as one rooted in brotherhood, mutual trust and shared interests. She said the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and the Saudi leadership occupied a unique and revered place in the hearts of the Pakistani people. The decades-long relationship of trust between the Saudi leadership and former prime minister Nawaz Sharif, she added, reflected the enduring strength of bilateral ties.
Describing the defence agreement between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia as the beginning of a new chapter in their relations, Ms Maryam said the agreement signed in August 2026 reflected the two countries’ shared resolve to safeguard their sovereignty and security. She strongly condemned Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia and expressed grief over the loss of precious human lives. She also condemned attacks targeting Saudi cities and civilian infrastructure, including reported attempts to target Makkah and Madinah. 
“The people of Pakistan and Punjab stand shoulder to shoulder with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia,” she said, reaffirming Pakistan’s support for Saudi Arabia’s right to defend its people, cities and critical infrastructure.
The chief minister said shared economic strength was a reliable guarantee of collective security, stressing that stronger trade and investment ties could further consolidate the relationship between the two countries. She noted that Saudi Arabia was Pakistan’s largest source of remittances, with approximately $9.8 billion sent to the country, underscoring the importance of the Kingdom to Pakistan’s economy.
Ms Maryam also invited Saudi citizens to visit Punjab’s prominent tourist destinations and conveyed her best wishes to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and the Saudi Crown Prince. She paid tribute to the services of the former Saudi ambassador for promoting bilateral relations.
 Ambassador Albugamy appreciated the deep-rooted, fraternal and strategic ties between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia and expressed his commitment to expanding cooperation in all fields.
He thanked the government of Pakistan, its armed forces and the people for their support for Saudi Arabia, particularly their backing for efforts to protect the Kingdom’s security, stability and territorial integrity.
The ambassador also praised Punjab’s cultural heritage, describing its Mughal-era monuments and vibrant living traditions as major attractions. He said Lahore was renowned for its hospitality, cuisine, warmth and welcoming spirit, both within Pakistan and internationally.