Pakistan launches new meat export push with Malaysia, targets $200M market

Pakistan has launched a renewed push to expand its meat exports, with Malaysia emerging as a key partner in strengthening the livestock sector, improving disease control, and enhancing Halal certification standards, officials said Tuesday.

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.

The meeting reviewed progress on export initiatives and discussed a new policy framework aimed at overcoming long-standing structural challenges and boosting market access.

The session was attended by 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 representatives of the private sector.

The commerce minister said the government was committed to strengthening Pakistan’s meat export base and tapping into high-value international markets, particularly Malaysia, which he described as a “low-hanging fruit” for exporters.

He said Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had directed the committee to develop a policy addressing both short-term obstacles and long-term sectoral reforms.

“The new framework will focus on disease control, Halal certification, and infrastructure development, with close coordination among provincial governments and the private sector,” the minister said in an official statement.

Meanwhile, the SAPM on industries said Pakistan could increase its meat exports to Malaysia to around $200 million annually if key trade and sanitary restrictions were addressed.

He pointed out that Pakistan’s competitiveness was weakened by limitations tied to Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) and a global ban on bone-in meat exports, while regional competitors such as India face fewer restrictions.

To overcome these hurdles, the SAPM proposed a two-step approach: an immediate report within four days identifying actions needed to meet the $200 million target, followed by a comprehensive, long-term strategy within ten days to guide sustainable sectoral growth.

Rana Tanveer Hussain, the food security and research minister, pledged full support from his ministry in improving livestock standards and disease management.

He said Punjab had already made progress in controlling FMD and expanding feedlot fattening projects, which will now be replicated in other provinces.

The meeting decided to establish four committees focused on disease control, breed improvement, feedlot development, and government facilitation.

The Ministry of Science and Technology will help ensure compliance with international Halal certification standards, while the Sindh government will play a central role given Karachi’s importance as the country’s main export hub.

Concluding the meeting, the commerce minister instructed all ministries to finalize their recommendations within the set timelines.

He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to evidence-based policymaking, public-private collaboration, and quality enhancement to position Pakistan as a reliable supplier of Halal meat in global markets.

The renewed focus on meat exports follows growing international interest in Pakistan’s livestock sector.

Earlier this month, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) expressed willingness to collaborate with Pakistan on livestock genetics, dairy productivity, and digital farming technologies.

In a recent meeting with Acting U.S. Ambassador Natalie A. Baker, Minister Hussain highlighted Pakistan’s livestock population of more than 250 million animals and said the sector offered “significant untapped potential” for exports and rural income growth.

He also briefed the delegation on progress toward establishing an FMD-free zone in Bahawalpur, which would help meet global certification standards for meat exports.

The USDA delegation expressed interest in supporting Pakistan’s efforts in genetic improvement, vaccine production, hybrid crop research, and agricultural mechanization to boost productivity and sustainability.