As part of its plans to invest in the South African economy, in August, Saudi Arabia's Food and Drug Administration lifted the 20-year ban that prohibited them from importing meat from SA.

Final preparations are currently underway to begin beef imports to the kingdom, which has a $2 billion meat market.

"The plan is to start exports in coming weeks," part-owner of Karan Beef; one of South Africa's largest halal meat producers; said to reporters.

This push into the industry has raised the kingdom's interest for partnerships in other sectors, such as poultry and pharmaceuticals and technology.

Darul Ihsan Media Desk