Strategy to boost Halal food exports demanded

Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) President Irfan Iqbal Sheikh has urged the government to formulate a strategy in collaboration with private sector to lift Halal food exports.

While talking to a delegation of exporters, the LCCI President said the government should also hold exhibition across the world in order to provide Pakistani exporters with the opportunity to showcase their products. He also called for availing modern technologies. Pakistan can capture a big share for Pakistani products in the international Halal food market of over $3 trillion as it has the potential and required all resources.

He said the volume of international Halal food trade is well over $3 trillion but Pakistan has a meagre share despite having all resources for becoming market of Halal Food for the world. He said that some crucial measure by the government can help tap huge potential in this sector.

He said that promotion of Halal products should be our National Agenda as it can give a quantum jump to the exports. It is a matter of concern that there is no Muslim country among the top Halal food exporters. Although, Pakistan has big export potential of Halal meat globally. With little efforts Pakistan can easily grab the international Halal food market and can triple exports of this particular sector, he said.

Irfan Iqbal Sheikh said that the global Halal food market is becoming one of the fastest growing markets. Despite having best strategic position, dynamic Halal food sector and direct gateway to the millions of consumers in Central Asia and Middle East, Pakistan's share in international Halal food trade is negligible while even a number of non-Muslim countries like Thailand are leading in this sector that should be a matter of concern for the Muslim countries.