Pakistan is unable to increase its export of meat due to limited supply chain of live animals for the slaughter houses and massive consumption within the country, official sources told Business Recorder.
Presently, Pakistan's export of meat and meat preparation stands at $ 200 million per annum mostly in the Middle East and Vietnam. However, export of live animals is completely banned aimed at maintaining a balance in export and domestic consumption.
According to foreign trade figures, export of meat and meat preparations increased by 20.3 percent during the first five months (July-November) 2019-20 to $ 126.505 million from $ 82.441 million during the corresponding period of 2018-19. Pakistan exported 34,837MT of meat and meat preparations during the first five months of current fiscal year as compared to 22,664 MT, showing 52.65 percent growth in quantity.
An official told Business Recorder that meat is being exported to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Vietnam, etc however Pakistani meat is not being exported to Europe due to certain reasons.
"Pakistan has not imported meat from Europe since 1986 after Mad Cow disease and Europe does not accept Pakistani meat due to Foot and Mouth Disease (MFD)," he added.
The official argued that Pakistani slaughter houses are not getting required supply chain of live animals required to increase their production and capture the international market. There is no wastage of live animals in Pakistan.
"We as a federal government also keep in mind that there should not be shortage in the country. We try to keep balance between exports and domestic production as Pakistan's population is over 200 million. Whenever slaughter houses are asked to increase exports, they say they can enhance exports if we can sustain an ensured supply chain," he added.
To a question, the official said that there are a number of farm houses which grow meat producing animals of special breads which can be exported to China. "The main reason for the restriction of export of live animals is to keep a balance between domestic consumption and exports. We want exports should be in value-addition and not live animals," the sources maintained.
Pakistan Poultry Association which exports chicken meat to the UAE and other Arab States, off and on approaches the Ministry of Commerce for removal of hurdles in exports.
Comments
Comments are closed.