Islamabad finalizes meat export plan for Malaysia

ISLAMAAD: A high-level meeting was held to finalize Pakistan’s comprehensive meat export plan to Malaysia, in line with the vision of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
The session was jointly chaired by Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Haroon Akhtar Khan, Federal Minister for National Food Security Rana Tanveer Hussain, and Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan. Representatives from the Ministry of Commerce, Ministry of National Food Security, public and private sector stakeholders, and technical consultants were in attendance.
The committee presented the final business plan for meat exports to Malaysia, marking a major step toward expanding Pakistan’s footprint in the international halal meat market.
Haroon Akhtar Khan commended the collaborative efforts of all ministries and stakeholders in preparing the export business model, stating, “An efficient business framework for meat exports has been developed. All members of the committee and ministries have done an outstanding job.”
Jam Kamal Khan highlighted the joint contributions of all stakeholders, noting, “This package is the result of collective efforts and consensus among all concerned sectors.”
Under the Prime Minister’s vision, a target of USD 200 million in meat exports to Malaysia over the next 3 to 5 years has been set. Currently, Pakistan exports buffalo meat worth USD 38,000 to Malaysia, as disclosed during the meeting.
The committee identified major challenges affecting exports, including foot-and-mouth diseases, processing deficiencies, and logistical hurdles.
Haroon Akhtar Khan further announced, “The halal meat sector will be granted industry status. This will increase exports and strengthen Pakistan’s economy.” He added that a practical business plan has been designed with mutual consultation, and specific tasks with timelines have been assigned to each sector and stakeholder to achieve the USD 200 million target.
Jam Kamal Khan underscored the significance of financial facilitation, adding, “To reduce export costs and provide incentives, the banking sector, provincial and federal governments, and the State Bank of Pakistan will play a crucial role.”
Federal Minister Rana Tanveer Hussain stated that modern slaughterhouses will be established in accordance with Malaysian standards, facilitating compliance and strengthening trade potential.
Wrapping up the meeting, Haroon Akhtar Khan remarked, “These incentives will enable Pakistani halal beef to successfully reach the global market.” Ends