Pakistani President appreciates China’s support for livestock sector development

By Shafqat Ali

ISLAMABAD, May 25（Gwadar Pro）— The President of Pakistan, Dr. Arif Alvi, on Monday afternoon appreciated Iron Brother China’s support for the development of the livestock sector in Pakistan.

Chairing a follow-up meeting on Meat Export and Processing, he said that the livestock sector can contribute to economic development, food security and poverty alleviation. The Chinese help was appreciable.

Pakistan is looking for joint ventures with China to upgrade livestock and fishery industries, and to explore opportunities in Special Economic Zones (SEZs).

Yesterday, Minister for National Food Security and Research，Fakhar Imam stated that Pakistan needs to modernise livestock and fishery industries by upgrading infrastructure and building a substantial supply chain through joint enterprises with China, technology transfer and talent cultivation.

Imam pointed out a number of challenges facing these sectors, while also highlighting potential of expansion in Chinese market.

Deputy Secretary General of China Animal Agriculture Association，Li Jinhui said China is one of the world’s largest importer of beef，and a major importer of mutton and chicken. This presents enormous opportunities for Pakistan to enhance its beef and mutton exports, he said.

Chairman of China Overseas Ports Holding Company，Zhang Baozhong highlighted a number of viruses and diseases found in Pakistan’s livestock.

China has agreed to help Pakistan establish foot and mouth disease-free zones in Punjab and Balochistan to ensure the health of the livestock under an agreement signed in 2019.

China and Pakistan are moving forward to strengthen cooperation in animal husbandry and fishery sectors. Experts and prominent companies from both sides continue to hold bilateral dialogue to discuss educational programs and possible measures to enact such cooperation.

China has recently granted a licence to a Pakistani meat exporter after lifting quarantine restrictions.

Chinese authorities have imposed quarantine restrictions on Pakistan’s meat. Currently, Pakistan exports beef to Vietnam and from there，it enters China without any restrictions. Its meat is also exported to Gulf countries and Malaysia.

Pakistan’s exports of meat and meat preparations amounted to USD $248.2 million in the first nine months of the current fiscal year, up by seven percent year-on-year. The exports accounted for merely 1.3 percent of the country’s total exports of USD $18.7 billion during the period. Pakistan is self-sufficient in meat production.

Pakistan exports around four percent of beef and veal in a year. This was despite the fact that the country was among the top 10 beef and veal producers in the world, producing approximately 1.8 million tons. Local consumption is estimated at 15 kilograms per capita.

At a follow-up meeting on Meat Exports and Processing, President Alvi underlined the need for development of the livestock sector in the country, said an official statement released by the presidency.

The President said the sector also has great potential to earn foreign exchange and it was essential to increase its export value by meeting international requirements and ensuring quality control of the Pakistani products.

The President asked the concerned Ministries and Departments to facilitate the meat exporters.He reiterated the government's commitment to address the problems of meat exporters and processors enabling them to enhance production and increase exports.