The Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) has urged the government to grant industrial status to the meat sector as its exports are comparable to those of the country's highest exporting industries.LCCI President Kashif Anwar, while talking to a delegation of halal meat exporters said, Pakistan has the capacity and all the necessary resources to gain a significant portion of the global $3 trillion halal meat and food market. Encouragement from the government may increase the exports of halal goods to $10 billion or more, he added.

He said that the government may unlock significant potential in this industry by taking the important steps. Pakistan's national agenda should include the promotion of halal goods since doing so may significantly increase exports. He suggested tax exemptions for the meat industry.

According to Kashif Anwar, the worldwide market for halal food is one of the industries with the quickest growth rates. Although Pakistan has the best strategic location, a thriving halal food sector, and a direct gateway to millions of consumers in Central Asia and the Middle East, its share of the global halal food trade is negligible. In contrast, a number of non-Muslim countries, like Thailand, are dominating this market, which should be of concern to Muslim countries, he added.

Kashif Anwar said the demand for halal items has grown significantly as the number of Muslims throughout the world has increased, so the government should promote the export of halal goods.He said that while the LCCI is working to promote halal goods, the government must provide a set of incentives to enable Pakistan to export high-quality halal foods. Since airports lack a sufficient location for handling meat, the Civil Aviation Authority should address this problem.

He also advised starting a single window operation to carry out the scanning procedure. He suggested there should be a system in place for reporting animal diseases. The LCCI president urged the exporters to continue to explore available opportunities in the world market and focus on research, which is a must while doing business in the global marketplace.

He said that since the Middle East, South Asia, East Asia, Central Asia, Europe, and North Africa spend the most on foods and beverages, Pakistani Halal products should be marketed to these regions. With over 220 million customers in Pakistan and direct access to millions of halal consumers in Central Asia, the Middle East, and Europe, he claimed that Pakistan's strength is its basis of 100% halal production. He said that in order to increase halal food exports, the government should develop a plan in collaboration with the private sector. The government should organise exhibitions all over the world to give Pakistani exporters the chance to display their goods.

Credit : Independent News Pakistan-WealthPk