'Record export of 25 tons of meat to Malaysia big achievement'

Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif has said that export of 25 tons meat to Malaysia, first time in the history of the country, is a big achievement. He said that development of livestock sector can help increase export of Halal meat as well as strengthen national economy.
He said that he is ready to spend Rs one billion on the provision of facilities to this industry if the private sector promises to achieve the target of export of two billion dollars of Halal meat during the next two years. He was addressing a function on the occasion of shipment of the first consignment of Halal meat to Malaysia by Zenith Associates in Lahore (Raiwind) Saturday.
President Pakistan Meat Exporters Association Arif Ghias, Chairman Zenith Associates, Tahir Ghias, Secretary Livestock Jehanzeb Khan and a large number of people associated with livestock sector were present. The Chief Minister said that livestock has a key importance in national economy and development of this sector can help overcome poverty and unemployment.
He said that Allah Almighty has bestowed land, grazing fields and talented workforce but despite these resources Pakistan's share in the meat business of 600 billion dollars in the world is insignificant whereas on the other hand India is exporting meat to the tune of $21 billion.
He said that Punjab government is implementing a comprehensive strategy for the development of livestock sector and a shipment of 25ton Halal meat is being sent to Malaysia with the co-operation of Zenith Associates. He said that a state-of-the-art slaughterhouse will be set up in Punjab and private sector will be given incentives for setting up farms of calves.
He said that improving the quality of livestock could increase export of meat to Middle East, Saudi Arabia, Malaysia and other countries. He assured office-bearers of meat association that no effort will be spared for providing them maximum facilities and they should come forward and play their role for increasing export of Halal meat. Earlier, the Chief Minister inaugurated the first shipment of Halal meat to Malaysia.
He also appreciated the performance of the management and workers of Zenith Associates and inspected various sections of the plant. Director Zenith Associates Asif Ghias in his welcome address paid tributes to Chief Minister Punjab and said that it is due to his leadership qualities that meat is being exported to Malaysia first time in the history of the country.