JAKARTA — Pakistani government officials have organized a crucial inter-ministerial meeting to resolve quality concerns raised by Malaysian buyers regarding halal meat shipments, as the country aims to capture a potential $200 million yearly export market.

Commerce Minister Jam Kamal Khan led Monday’s high-level session, which brought together Federal Minister for National Food Security Rana Tanveer Hussain, Special Assistant to the PM on Industries Haroon Akhtar Khan, and stakeholders from both government agencies and the private export sector. The discussions focused on overcoming regulatory hurdles, disease management protocols, and compliance requirements that have limited Pakistan’s penetration into one of Southeast Asia’s most demanding yet profitable markets.

Malaysia offers significant strategic value for Pakistan within the worldwide halal industry, which is anticipated to hit $2.7-2.8 trillion by 2025 and grow at 9% annually until 2033. The bilateral relationship, strengthened by an October 6 quota arrangement worth $200 million in meat exports, reveals substantial opportunity: Pakistan exported $515 million to Malaysia in 2024, though this remains well below the $960 million imported from Malaysia. However, ongoing challenges—including foot and mouth disease (FMD) restrictions preventing bone-in meat exports and unreliable supply chains—have disadvantaged Pakistani suppliers compared to rivals like India, which operates without such limitations.

Minister Khan characterized Malaysia as an accessible opportunity for the industry, contingent upon addressing price competitiveness and halal certification obstacles. “The administration is committed to reinforcing Pakistan’s meat export capabilities and obtaining enhanced access to premium international markets,” he stated, connecting the initiative to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s mandate for an integrated policy approach.

Minister Akhtar Khan emphasized the pressing nature of the situation, pointing out that FMD restrictions and the prohibition on bone-in products “weaken Pakistan’s competitive position.” Additional constraints, including inadequate feed standards and insufficient farmer financing, compound these difficulties, according to exporter input. Pakistan’s livestock sector, which provides employment to over 8 million individuals and represents 60% of agricultural GDP, could substantially benefit from reforms with potential spillover effects in Middle Eastern and European markets.

The gathering produced specific outcomes: four working groups were formed to address FMD monitoring and immunization, livestock breeding improvement, feedlot development, and exporter support services. Minister Hussain pledged his ministry’s backing, referencing advancements in Punjab’s disease control measures that will be implemented nationally. Partnership with the Ministry of Science and Technology will strengthen certification mechanisms, while Sindh’s Karachi port facilities are designated for infrastructure enhancements.

Timeline requirements are demanding—a short-term strategy is expected within four days, with a comprehensive policy framework to follow in 10 days. “The upcoming policy will emphasize disease prevention, halal certification, and infrastructure advancement, coordinated with provincial authorities and private enterprise,” Minister Khan explained.

For export businesses, the plan offers practical benefits: subsidized vaccine availability through government platforms, conformity with Malaysia’s JAKIM certification standards via complimentary Trade Development Authority assessments, and potential 20% cost reductions in transportation through CPEC-connected cold storage networks.

This effort aligns with Islamabad’s broader strategy to diversify exports amid economic constraints. Industry projections suggest successful implementation could generate $1-2 billion in additional revenue over five years while improving rural livelihoods in livestock-dependent areas. Given Malaysia’s halal market expansion—projected at 6.2% compound annual growth through 2031—this initiative could establish Pakistan as a dependable supplier, reducing the bilateral trade deficit and strengthening its position in a sector experiencing sustained demand growth.

Original Article:

Halal Times. (2025, October 29). Pakistan Seeks to Salvage Halal Meat Exports to Malaysia After Quality Complaints. Retrieved from https://www.halaltimes.com/pakistan-seeks-to-salvage-halal-meat-exports-to-malaysia-after-quality-complaints/