Ukraine and Saudi Arabia strengthen cooperation in agri‑food trade and investment

The security of Ukrainian agricultural exports is both a matter of bilateral trade and global food security. Saudi Arabia is one of the key food importers and an important logistics hub in the region, so its support can genuinely help maintain stable supplies of Ukrainian grain to world markets. This was emphasized by Ukraine’s Minister of Agrarian Policy and Food, Taras Vysotskyi, during an online meeting with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture, Abdulrahman Al‑Fadli.

Deputy Minister Denys Bashlyk and representatives of relevant departments also took part in the meeting.

Taras Vysotskyi informed his Saudi counterpart about the consequences of russian attacks on Ukraine’s port and logistics infrastructure, which create additional risks for agricultural exports and increase their cost.

“Despite the blockade of ports, Ukraine is ready to continue supplying agricultural products, particularly grain, to Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia is one of the important importers of Ukrainian food, so it is critical for us to preserve freedom of navigation and the safe functioning of maritime transport corridors. This is a necessary condition for stable exports of Ukrainian agricultural products and for strengthening global food security. At the same time, increasing direct purchases of Ukrainian grain and other agricultural products by key importing countries is vital support for Ukrainian producers and will help maintain stable food supplies to world markets,” stressed Taras Vysotskyi.

The Minister added that Ukraine exported about 6 million tonnes of cargo monthly through the ports of Greater Odesa. Even with maximum use of alternative routes, their capacity can only partially compensate for maritime shipments. Meanwhile, russian attacks have already increased logistics costs for Ukrainian agricultural exports by approximately USD 45 per tonne.

Another area of cooperation discussed was investment in Ukraine’s agricultural sector. The parties agreed to work on holding a joint Ukrainian‑Saudi business seminar with private‑sector participation. The event will present investment opportunities in Ukraine, particularly in port infrastructure, terminals, processing, and agricultural production.

In addition, the sides discussed prospects for expanding the presence of Ukrainian business in the Saudi market, including opportunities for Ukrainian poultry producers and veterinary medicine manufacturers.

Following the meeting, the parties agreed to continue work at the level of specialized teams, prepare a draft Memorandum of Cooperation, intensify business contacts, and jointly develop new investment and trade projects.

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