Special Assistant to the Prime Minister (SAPM) on Industries and Production, Haroon Akhtar Khan, chaired a high-level meeting in Lahore to review obstacles hindering Pakistan’s meat exports to Malaysia and identify practical solutions to enhance competitiveness in the global market.
The meeting was attended by the Secretary of Industries and Production, Saif Anjum and senior representatives from both public and private sectors. Exporters briefed the SAPM on multiple challenges, including poor feed quality, high production costs, limited access to financing, documentation delays, and the absence of cold chain facilities, especially at airports.
Participants noted that exporters are often forced to make cash payments in cattle markets due to insufficient banking support, while the lack of cold storage facilities compels them to store meat in transport vehicles. They also highlighted that India exports meat at USD 3.5 per kilogram, whereas Pakistan’s cost stands at USD 5 per kilogram, making it difficult to remain competitive internationally.
Haroon Akhtar Khan assured the business community that the government, under the vision of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, is fully committed to facilitating the sector and expanding Pakistan’s meat exports to new global markets. He emphasised that Pakistani meat is of superior quality and capable of meeting international standards, adding that the government would work closely with exporters to streamline procedures and strengthen the meat value chain.
The SAPM reaffirmed the government’s determination to remove existing bottlenecks, improve infrastructure, and ensure that Pakistan’s livestock sector becomes a reliable contributor to the country’s export-led growth.
Related stories:
Pakistan Malaysia Strengthen Digital, IT Sector Ties
Pakistan, Malaysia Strengthen Trade, Halal Meat, Cooperation
