ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has set an ambitious target to export halal meat worth $520 million to Malaysia over the next five years, officials said.
According to Officials, halal meat has been identified as a priority sector to boost Pakistan’s exports, and a plan has been devised to supply 130,000 metric tons of meat to Malaysia during this period, generating significant foreign exchange.
To meet this target, 552,000 livestock animals will be required, and the government estimates an investment of $140 million in the livestock sector over five years.
Of this total, $80 million is expected from the private sector, while the government will contribute $60 million.
The initiative is part of Pakistan’s broader strategy to modernise its livestock industry, increase export earnings, and strengthen its presence in the global halal meat market.
Pakistan and Malaysia recently signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on halal meat cooperation as part of a broader set of agreements to strengthen bilateral ties.
The MoU was signed during Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s official visit to Malaysia, where both governments agreed to enhance cooperation in multiple sectors, including trade and halal certification.
Under this framework, Malaysia announced plans to import halal meat from Pakistan over the next three to five years, marking a significant step in expanding Pakistan’s access to Malaysia’s halal market and boosting its meat exports.
According to the latest available official trade data, Pakistan exported meat and meat products worth approximately $512 million during FY 2023–24, with total export volume exceeding 123,000 tons.
These exports mainly include beef and mutton and form the core of Pakistan’s livestock export earnings.
In terms of destination, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is the largest importer of Pakistani meat, accounting for the biggest share by value, followed by Saudi Arabia, while other key markets include Kuwait, Qatar and Bahrain.
