Pakistan and China agreed to deepen cooperation in the livestock sector on Thursday, focusing on boosting Pakistani meat exports to the Chinese market through investment, technology transfer and improved processing infrastructure.
The understanding was reached during a high-level meeting chaired by Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research Rana Tanveer Hussain with a visiting Chinese delegation, officials today.
Chinese representatives expressed strong interest in exploring opportunities in meat processing, export-oriented infrastructure, quality assurance mechanisms and technological collaboration. Both sides also agreed to promote business-to-business engagement and coordinate on regulatory and sanitary measures required to facilitate greater access for Pakistani meat products to China.
Addressing the meeting, Hussain said Pakistan’s livestock industry offers substantial opportunities due to its sizeable animal population, strategic location and increasing capacity to produce high-quality halal meat. He described livestock as a key component of the country’s agricultural sector, contributing significantly to rural employment, agricultural value addition and gross domestic product.
The minister noted that China remains among the world’s largest importers and consumers of meat, creating significant prospects for Pakistan to expand its presence in the market. He encouraged Chinese firms to invest in modern slaughterhouses and meat processing plants in Pakistan featuring advanced technologies, international hygiene protocols, cold-chain systems and product traceability to ensure premium halal meat production.
He said the government would continue to support foreign investment in agriculture and livestock by maintaining an investor-friendly environment and strengthening institutional coordination. According to the minister, developing modern processing facilities would help increase exports, create jobs, improve food safety standards and raise incomes for farmers.
Concluding the meeting, Hussain reiterated the government’s determination to develop Pakistan’s livestock industry into a globally competitive sector, adding that enhanced cooperation with China in meat processing and livestock development would support food security, encourage sustainable agricultural growth and reinforce the strategic relationship between the two countries.