Pakistan targets $200m meat export deal with Malaysia

October 29, 2025 (MLN): Pakistan is eyeing a major push to capture a $200 million meat export opportunity with Malaysia, as the government moves to strengthen its Halal meat export base and open high-value international markets.

The target was discussed during a meeting on Pakistan–Malaysia Cooperation in the Meat Sector held at the Ministry of Commerce, chaired by Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan.

The session brought together Federal Minister for National Food Security Rana Tanveer Hussain, SAPM on Industries Haroon Akhtar Khan, and representatives from both public and private sectors.

SAPM Haroon Akhtar Khan revealed that Pakistan’s potential meat exports to Malaysia could reach $200 million, provided immediate steps are taken to resolve constraints like Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) and the ban on bone-in meat exports.

He emphasized that India enjoys a competitive edge by exporting bone-in meat, whereas Pakistan is restricted to boneless shipments due to FMD concerns.

To address these challenges, the meeting decided on a two-step plan, an immediate report within four days identifying measures to achieve the $200 million goal, followed by a comprehensive policy framework within ten days to ensure sustainable sectoral growth.

Commerce Minister Jam Kamal Khan called Malaysia a “low-hanging fruit” for Pakistan’s meat industry, urging stakeholders to enhance price competitiveness, compliance standards, and supply consistency.

He underscored that the upcoming policy would emphasize disease control, Halal certification, and infrastructure upgrades in coordination with provincial governments.

Minister Rana Tanveer Hussain assured the government’s full backing for livestock health and feedlot improvement, noting that significant progress had already been made in Punjab and would be replicated nationwide.

To streamline coordination, four specialized committees were formed focusing on disease control, breed improvement, feedlot fattening, and facilitation measures.

The Ministry of Science and Technology will also be onboarded to ensure international Halal and quality compliance, while Sindh’s port facilities will play a key role in export logistics.

Concluding the meeting, Jam Kamal Khan directed all relevant ministries and private stakeholders to submit their inputs within the given timelines.

He reaffirmed the government’s resolve to position Pakistan as a reliable global supplier of premium Halal meat through evidence-based planning and public-private collaboration.

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