Pakistan targets $200m meat export to Malaysia

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan is stepping up efforts to expand its meat exports to Malaysia, with Commerce Minister Jam Kamal Khan calling for urgent reforms to improve production efficiency, cost competitiveness, and export readiness in the livestock sector.

Chairing the 3rd meeting of the Pakistan–Malaysia Meat Export Committee, the minister directed the formation of a working group to present a final action plan within a week, aimed at achieving the $200 million export target. He stressed that the strategy must include consultations with provincial governments, particularly Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where large-scale livestock resources remain underutilized.

The meeting, attended by Minister for National Food Security Rana Tanvir Hussain and SAPM Haroon Akhtar Khan, reviewed the entire export value chain—from animal selection and feed quality to slaughterhouse standards and logistics.

Officials highlighted the need to improve Cost & Freight (CNF) pricing, introduce energy-efficient systems in processing facilities, and ensure buffaloes within the 14–18 month age range are supplied to meet Malaysia’s halal and quality specifications.

Pakistan’s meat exports have grown steadily over the past decade, crossing $440 million in FY2023–24, with major destinations including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Bahrain. However, officials noted that Pakistan’s share in the Malaysian market remains limited compared to competitors like India and Australia, largely due to higher production costs and inconsistent export supply chains.

Industry experts say that developing provincial meat clusters, upgrading export-oriented slaughterhouses, and investing in cold chain logistics are critical to sustaining growth. The committee also discussed ways to attract private sector investment and adopt modern animal health certification systems compatible with Malaysian import requirements.

The Commerce Ministry emphasized that long-term cooperation with Malaysia, combining policy support and private enterprise, could transform Pakistan into a competitive regional supplier of halal meat.

“Pakistan’s livestock base gives it a natural advantage but to capitalize on it, we must compete on quality, consistency, and efficiency,” said Minister Jam Kamal Khan after the meeting.

Officials expect the working group’s recommendations next week to shape the roadmap for enhancing Pakistan’s position in Malaysia’s multi-billion-dollar halal meat market.