Islamabad: A high-level meeting took place at the Ministry of Commerce to explore opportunities for enhancing Pakistan’s meat exports to Malaysia, along with formulating a comprehensive policy framework for the sector. Chaired by Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan, the meeting aimed to strengthen Pakistan’s export capabilities and tackle challenges in accessing high-value international markets.

Attendees included Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research Rana Tanveer Hussain, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Industries Haroon Akhtar Khan, senior government officials, and private sector representatives. The focus was on addressing both immediate export constraints and long-term sectoral reforms.

Minister Khan highlighted Malaysia as a promising market for Pakistan’s meat industry, contingent on managing price competitiveness, compliance standards, and supply consistency. The policy framework will address disease control, Halal certification, and infrastructure improvements, with collaboration from provincial governments and the private sector.

SAPM Haroon Akhtar Khan noted that Pakistan’s current potential for meat exports to Malaysia is around USD 200 million, but achieving this requires overcoming constraints like Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) and restrictions on bone-in meat exports. He proposed immediate and long-term strategies to address these issues.

Minister Hussain assured full support from his ministry in improving livestock standards and addressing disease control. Significant progress in FMD control has been made in Punjab, with plans to extend efforts to other provinces. Four committees have been established to focus on disease control, breed improvement, feedlot fattening, and government facilitation.

The inclusion of the Ministry of Science and Technology was discussed to ensure compliance with Halal certification and international standards. Additionally, the Sindh Government will play a role due to Karachi’s vital port facilities for meat exports.

Minister Khan concluded by directing all stakeholders to finalize their inputs within specified timelines, reaffirming the government’s commitment to positioning Pakistan as a reliable supplier of high-quality Halal meat to global markets.