Pakistan is targeting a multi-billion dollar expansion of its meat export industry, seeking crucial technical and institutional support from Australia to unlock its significant potential, it was revealed in a high-level discussion on Friday.
The matter was a central point of conversation during a meeting between the Special Assistant to the Prime Minister (SAPM) on Industries and Production, Haroon Akhtar Khan, and the Acting Australian High Commissioner, Ms Nicole Guihot. The engagement, attended by industry representatives and Secretary Industries and Production Mr. Saif Anjum, focused on overcoming challenges within the sector.
Mr. Khan emphasized that the government, under the direction of Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, is actively working to advance the meat industry. He pointed to Pakistan”s halal certification as a natural advantage in the global marketplace, asserting it could become a major source of foreign exchange.
The SAPM noted the existing successful cooperation between Pakistan and Australia in the dairy sector, suggesting a similar partnership in the meat industry would be a significant step forward. He stressed that technical assistance and collaborative research projects with Australia are essential for Pakistan to achieve its ambitious export goals.
Ms Guihot acknowledged Pakistan”s dedicated efforts to foster its meat sector. She reaffirmed her country’s continued engagement in supporting Pakistan through expertise and training in the agricultural domain.
The Acting High Commissioner also recognized the contributions of thousands of Pakistanis to Australia’s workforce and highlighted Australia”s standing as a trusted destination for Pakistani students. Both officials concluded the talks by reaffirming their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations based on mutual trust and friendship.