Struggling to secure a significant share of the global halal meat market despite its vast livestock resources, Pakistan is turning to industry leader Brazil for a strategic partnership aimed at overhauling its domestic livestock, dairy, and meat processing industries, said official information today.
In a high-level meeting, Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research, Mr. Rana Tanveer Hussain, and the Ambassador of Brazil to Pakistan, H.E. Mr. Olyntho Vieira, laid the groundwork for enhanced bilateral collaboration. The engagement, also attended by Special Assistant to the Prime Minister, Mr. Tariq Fatimi, follows a directive from Pakistan’s premier to learn from Brazil”s globally recognised success in the field.
The Federal Minister noted Brazil”s standing as a world leader, possessing the largest commercial cattle herd of over 230 million and being the foremost exporter of beef and poultry. Brazilian beef exports in 2024 reached approximately 2.9 million metric tonnes, valued at more than USD 12 billion, a success attributed to superior veterinary governance, export-oriented slaughterhouse systems, and robust public-private collaboration.
In contrast, Mr. Hussain explained that while Pakistan possesses a significant livestock base of over 55 million cattle and 47 million buffalo, its export competitiveness is severely hampered. Key challenges include high production costs, insufficient feedlot finishing systems, and critical gaps in slaughterhouse design, meat inspection, traceability, and Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) compliance.
He underscored the irony that despite being a Muslim nation, Pakistan”s presence in the global halal meat trade is minimal, whereas Brazil is a major supplier of halal-certified meat to numerous Muslim countries, demonstrating the effectiveness of its institutional and quality assurance frameworks.
Opportunities in the dairy sector were also discussed, with the minister pointing to Brazil”s annual milk production of over 35 billion litres from tropical dairy systems well-suited to Pakistan”s climate. Islamabad seeks to modernise its own dairy industry through better genetics, feeding systems, and processing infrastructure. The dialogue also touched upon the current bilateral trade of nearly USD 1 billion, which remains heavily in Brazil’s favour.
To formalise the partnership, the minister proposed the establishment of a Pakistan-Brazil Joint Working Group on Livestock and Dairy Cooperation. This body will be tasked with identifying priority areas, coordinating technical engagement, and overseeing the implementation of joint initiatives.
It was agreed that Pakistan would prepare a draft framework for technical cooperation to be shared with Brazilian authorities. The proposal will concentrate on upgrading slaughterhouses and inspection systems, bolstering SPS and traceability mechanisms, improving meat processing, introducing efficient feedlot fattening models, and boosting dairy productivity through tropical genetics and modern technologies.
The Brazilian Ambassador, Mr. Olyntho Vieira, shared his country”s journey from being a net food importer in 1970 to a global agricultural powerhouse, crediting sustained investment in research and institutional capacity through bodies like EMBRAPA. He affirmed Brazil”s willingness to explore a structured cooperative arrangement with Pakistan.
Mr. Tariq Fatimi reiterated that the Prime Minister has designated cattle fattening, dairy production, and meat processing as priority areas for national development. He confirmed Pakistan’s readiness to engage in comprehensive cooperation, including expert exchanges and training programmes.
Potential pilot initiatives were also considered, including a model export-grade slaughterhouse with an integrated feedlot and a dairy cluster based on Brazilian tropical systems.
The Federal Minister concluded by expressing optimism that the collaboration would significantly strengthen Pakistan”s agricultural sectors, enhance regulatory compliance, and contribute to the nation’s export-led growth strategy and food security goals.