Pakistan and Malaysia Collaborate on Meat Exports and Livestock Sector Development

Pakistan has stepped up its efforts to expand its meat exports, with Malaysia emerging as a key partner in developing the country's livestock sector. The country aims to strengthen its meat export base and secure access to high-value international markets, particularly Malaysia, with the goal of increasing exports to $200 million annually. A high-level meeting on Pakistan-Malaysia cooperation in the meat sector was held at the Ministry of Commerce, chaired by Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan, where a new policy framework was discussed to address long-standing challenges in the sector.

Key Takeaways:

• Pakistan aims to increase its meat exports to Malaysia to $200 million annually, as proposed by SAPM Haroon Akhtar, citing existing barriers that can be addressed.
• The new policy framework will focus on disease control, Halal certification, and infrastructure development in coordination with provincial governments and the private sector.
• To tackle challenges, a two-step plan was proposed: an immediate report within four days outlining measures to achieve the $200 million target, followed by a long-term policy within ten days for sustainable sectoral growth.
• Pakistan's meat export competitiveness is weakened by Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) restrictions and the global ban on bone-in meat exports, which Indian exporters are allowed to ship.
• The meeting decided to set up four committees to focus on disease control, breed improvement, feedlot development, and government facilitation.
• The Ministry of Science and Technology will ensure international compliance with Halal certification standards, while the Sindh government will play a key role given Karachi's position as the country's main export hub.
• The government of Pakistan is committed to promoting research-based planning, public-private collaboration, and improved quality standards to make Pakistan a reliable supplier of Halal meat to global markets.

Statistics:

• Pakistan's livestock base exceeds 250 million animals.
• Stock market analysis predicts that $200 million in annual exports to Malaysia can strengthen Pakistan's meat export base and secure access to high-value international markets.
• Pakistan's competitiveness in meat exports is weakened by FMD restrictions, affecting its ability to export bone-in meat, which can result in revenue loss.
• The global ban on bone-in meat exports affects Pakistan's ability to export to countries with such restrictions.

Sources:

• "Pakistan launches fresh efforts to expand meat exports", Dawn News
• "Pakistan-Malaysia hold high-level meeting on meat sector", Bureau Report
• "Pakistan, Malaysia collaboration aims to boost meat exports", App News
• "Pakistan, US to work on livestock genetics, dairy productivity", Pakistan Today
• "Government to promote research-based planning, public-private collaboration for quality standards", The Nation