Russian agricultural exports to Saudi Arabia may reach $1.5 billion by 2030

A Russian business mission organized by the Russian Ministry of Agriculture and the Federal Center for Agroexport commenced in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on November 25, coinciding with the SAUDI HORECA 2024 international food, beverages, and hospitality exhibition. The mission featured over 30 leading Russian agricultural companies and more than 50 Saudi importers, distributors, and retailers.

Deputy Minister of Agriculture of Russia Sergey Levin emphasized that this is the third such mission to the Kingdom, highlighting Saudi Arabia’s role as a key partner in the Middle East. The event underscores a shared commitment to bolster food security, economic diversification, and the adoption of advanced agricultural practices. Dr. Mamaduh Alsharari, Director General of Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture, noted the vital, ongoing partnership between the two countries in agricultural trade.

The mission also facilitated discussions on expanding the range of Russian food products entering Saudi markets, potentially increasing annual exports to $1.5 billion by 2030. Russian officials, including trade representative Stanislav Yankovets, expressed optimism about the growing Saudi interest in Russian food products, emphasizing the mutual benefits of strengthening trade relations and expanding into new sectors such as dairy and baby food production.

In a broader context, the mission’s discussions also touched on technology collaboration, waste reduction, green production, and the development of agricultural infrastructure.