Pakistan eyes Saudi livestock market to boost exports

FAISALABAD: The recent strategic defence agreement between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia has deepened bilateral relations, but experts stress the need to translate this goodwill into economic gains.

Livestock is being identified as a priority sector, given Saudi Arabia’s heavy reliance on imports of sacrificial animals during Hajj and meat throughout the year. According to available data, Saudi Arabia imported more than 1.7 million sheep and goats from Sudan, Somalia and other African countries during last year’s Hajj. In addition, the Kingdom spends over $2-3 billion annually on meat imports from Brazil, Australia and Canada. Despite this huge demand, Pakistan’s share in Saudi Arabia’s meat and livestock market remains negligible. Pakistan exported $460 million worth of fresh and frozen meat in FY2023-24, according to the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics.

Analysts estimate that even capturing just 10pc of Saudi demand could add $200-300 million annually to Pakistan’s exports. Moreover, supplying 50pc of sacrificial animals required for Hajj could fetch at least PKR 100 billion in foreign exchange, assuming an average price of Rs50,000 per animal.

Experts recommend government-backed schemes, including interest-free loans for farmers, livestock rearing under veterinary supervision, and the establishment of internationally certified quarantine centers and vaccination systems. Such measures, they argue, could not only boost exports but also create rural employment.