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ISLAMABAD, Oct 28 (APP):Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan here on Tuesday chaired a meeting at the Ministry of Commerce to review Pakistan–Malaysia cooperation in the meat sector aimed at enhancing Pakistan’s meat exports to Malaysia and formulating a comprehensive policy framework for the sector.
The meeting was attended by Federal Minister for National Food Security & Research Rana Tanveer Hussain, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Industries Haroon Akhtar Khan, senior officials from the concerned ministries and representatives of the private sector.
Jam Kamal said that the government was determined to strengthen Pakistan’s meat export base and ensure greater access to high-value international markets, particularly Malaysia, which offers significant potential.
He added that the Prime Minister had tasked the committee to develop a comprehensive policy that addresses both short-term export challenges and long-term sectoral reforms.
The Minister emphasized that Malaysia represents a “low-hanging fruit” for Pakistan’s meat industry, provided that the country effectively manages price competitiveness, compliance standards, and supply consistency.
He further noted that the policy would focus on disease control, Halal certification, and infrastructure improvement in coordination with provincial governments and the private sector.
Speaking at the meeting, SAPM Haroon Akhtar briefed that Pakistan’s current potential for meat exports to Malaysia was around USD 200 million. However, achieving this target requires immediate action to address constraints such as Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) and the prohibition of bone-in meat exports.
He explained that Pakistan’s competitiveness was affected because Indian exporters can utilize bone-in meat, while Pakistan must export boneless meat due to FMD restrictions.
He proposed a two-step approach including an immediate report within four days to outline measures for achieving the USD 200 million export goal; and a long-term policy framework within ten days to guide sustainable growth of the meat export sector.
On the occasion, Federal Minister Rana Tanveer Hussain assured full support from the Ministry of National Food Security & Research in addressing disease control and improving livestock standards.
He informed the meeting that significant work has already been undertaken in Punjab for FMD control and feedlot fattening, and that similar initiatives would be extended to other provinces.
To ensure effective coordination and follow-up, four committees have been formulated to address key areas including disease control, breed improvement, feedlot fattening, and government facilitation measures.