WNAM REPORT: A meeting on Pakistan–Malaysia Cooperation in the Meat Sector was held today at the Ministry of Commerce under the chairmanship of Federal Minister for Commerce, Jam Kamal Khan, to review progress on enhancing Pakistan’s meat exports to Malaysia and to develop 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.
Federal Minister Jam Kamal Khan said that the government is 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 will 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 is 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 is 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:
1. An immediate report within four days to outline measures for achieving the USD 200 million export goal.
2. A long-term policy framework within ten days to guide sustainable growth of the meat export sector.
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 will 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.
The committee also discussed the inclusion of the Ministry of Science and Technology to ensure compliance with Halal certification and international quality standards. The Sindh Government will also be engaged, given the importance of Karachi’s port facilities for meat exports.
Minister Jam Kamal Khan concluded the meeting by directing all concerned ministries and stakeholders to finalize their respective inputs within the given timelines. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to promoting exports through research-based planning, public-private collaboration, and improved compliance standards, ensuring that Pakistan becomes a reliable supplier of high-quality Halal meat to global markets.
