Pakistan China Joint Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCJCCI) urged the government to boost export of meat from Pakistan to China. PCJCCI President Zarak Khan while addressing the export promotion committee of his chamber on Tuesday said that there was a big gap in the world meat trade to be fulfilled and Pakistan had the potential to increase its export and earn foreign exchange by promoting Pakistan's high quality meat worldwide.
He said that Pakistan has the 4th largest livestock population in the world-180 million animals growing at 4.2 percent annually. Moreover there are above four dozen breeds of sheep and goats that have helped Pakistan to become 2nd largest goat meat producing country but our exports are still lacking far behind because of having limited techniques and skilled labour, he added.
PCJCCI chief proposed to avail of Chinese assistance to have training for enhancing the skills and livestock techniques up to the world's standard. He further said that by exporting meat to China we can contribute millions of dollars in the national economy.
The Pakistan's government is already convincing the Chinese government to permit import of meat from Pakistan, he added.
PCJCCI Senior Vice President Moazzam Ghurki speaking on the occasion urged the government and the private sector to create state of the art slaughter houses to attract the Chinese market. We can develop specific brand as per specific needs of Chinese people, he said. He cited an example "Omasum", the second stomach of cows and buffaloes is very much liked in Vietnam and China.
The Chamber's Secretary General Salahuddin Hanif said currently China is importing meat from Vietnam. Brazil and Australia, who are struggling to meet the demand while maintaining the standard too. Therefore in such a competitive environment there is a great possibility for Pakistan to initiate the production of good quality meat to cater the needs of Chinese Market. Viewing the increased demand, China is also considering to import meat from Pakistan to China, he added.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2019