Exporters point out hurdles in meat export to Malaysia

LAHORE: Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Industries and Production Haroon Akhtar Khan chaired a committee meeting here to address challenges faced by meat exporters in expanding exports to Malaysia.

The meeting was attended by Secretary Industries and Production Saif Anjum, along with representatives from both public and private sectors.

During the discussions, participants reviewed various issues and recommendations related to meat exports to Malaysia. Exporters identified major obstacles, including poor feed quality, inadequate livestock breeds, high production costs, lack of cold chain infrastructure, limited banking support and cumbersome documentation procedures.

They emphasised banking sector provides insufficient facilitation, forcing them to make cash payments in cattle markets. They also pointed out absence of cold storage facilities at airports, which compels them to store meat in transport vehicles.

Representatives noted while India exports meat at $3.5 per kilogram, Pakistan’s export cost is $5 per kilogram, the same rate at which Pakistan currently exports meat to Tajikistan.

Haroon Akhtar acknowledged exporters’ concerns and affirmed Pakistani meat is of superior quality and capable of competing in international markets. He said government is committed to expanding meat exports to various international destinations and will provide all possible support to exporters.