By Raza Khan ISLAMABAD, Feb 08 (INP-WealthPK): Pakistan hopes to export meat and meat preparations worth $750 million by fiscal year 2024-25. The target is 121 percent higher than the meat exports value of fiscal year 2020-21. According to a document of the Ministry of Commerce, target of meat and meat preparations’ exports for the current fiscal (2021-22) year is set at $435 million. The value of meat exports would be increased up to $500 million in the next fiscal year, up to $650 million in 2023-24, and ultimately will reach $750 million in 2024-25. Official statistics show that exports of meat and meat preparation were recorded at $338 million in 2020-21, a growth of 11% as compared to preceding year. Meat exports were recorded $305 million in 2019-20. Currently, Pakistan is looking to grab Chinese meat market to increase its exports because China is the largest meat importer in the world. “China can be the largest market for Pakistani meat and meat preparations if it allows import from Pakistan,” Kausar Abbas Zaidi, Director General (agri products) of Ministry of Commerce told WealthPK. Zaidi said that a large number of investors in Pakistan would opt for livestock sector if China allows meat import because the market potential is too big. Pakistan is working with China to resolve sanitary and phytosanitary measures (SPS) issue, he added. “Pakistan has significantly improved its livestock products over the period of time, using modern techniques,” the director general said. The Ministry of Commerce is hopeful that China may allow import of pre-heated meat from Pakistan in near future. The DG noted that negotiations are being held with Indonesian food authorities for export of meat. “A meeting has been conducted with Indonesia and approval for market access is at an advance stage,” he added. According to a statement of Adviser to Prime Minister on Commerce Abdul Razak Dawood, Egypt has allowed 10 meat processing companies for export of meat. He said that development has been made as a result of audit conducted by the Egyptian veterinary authorities. Abdul Razak Dawood said that approval by Egypt for meat export was a part of government policy of geographical and product diversification. He urged exporters to go full speed ahead to capitalise on this opportunity as this sector has massive potential. Recently, Malaysia granted market access to Pakistani meat exporters and final approval is under process. The adviser on commerce also shared this news via tweet. He noted that Jordan has notified three Pakistan’s slaughterhouses for export of bovine, sheep, goat and camel meat. According to Economic Survey of Pakistan (2020-21), total meat production was recorded 4,955,000 tonnes in the country during last fiscal year. However, only less than 2 percent of total meat production could be exported, although the meat export in 2020-21 hit an all-time high with 95,991 tonnes. Foot and mouth disease (FMD) in cattle is one of the major hurdles in meat export from Pakistan. However, significant improvement has been made as the investors are using modern techniques of raising livestock, according to experts. According to Economic Survey, the government is taking regulatory measures aimed at improving per unit animal productivity by improving health coverage, management practices, animal breeding practices, artificial insemination services, use of balanced animal feed and controlling livestock diseases. To address investment-related issues in the value-added livestock export sector, the government is considering developing meat export processing zones. The focus is on breed improvement for enhanced productivity, establishment of nucleus herd and identification of breeds that are well adapted to climatic zone.