Pakistan exports heat-treated beef to China

Becomes first nation in South Asia to ship cooked beef to Beijing

KARACHI:

Pakistan has emerged as the first South Asian nation that has exported heat-treated beef to the world’s largest meat importer, China, beating regional competitors in delivering quality food at the best price.

In a notification to the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) on Monday, The Organic Meat Company Limited (TOMCL) reported “TOMCL (a Pakistan-based firm) now stands as the first company from South Asia to have successfully exported cooked/ heat-treated frozen beef and meat products to the People’s Republic of China on December 31, 2023).”

China is the world’s largest meat importer, purchasing approximately 3.10 million tons of beef and mutton during 2022 while TOMCL has secured a unique position as one of the only two companies that have obtained a licence for exporting cooked meat products to China from South Asia.

With the approvals and commencement of active exports to the mainland China, the company is set to explore new horizons, anticipating significant growth in export volumes and turnover.

“We are confident that this milestone will not only enhance the company’s standing in the industry but also generate substantial value for our shareholders,” it said.

Talking to The Express Tribune, company CEO Faisal Hussain said the other day “we are very close to them (Chinese) geographically and we are the cheapest nation in providing things to the world…Pakistan’s beef is far above than a lot of countries in terms of quality and secondly it is cheaper too.”

Read Pakistan to export heat-treated beef to China

Pakistan is a viable export partner of China when seen in the context of proximity and logistics. “The completion of China’s Belt and Road Initiative will provide the best corridor for export of beef and other things soon.”

China alone consumes 23% of the world’s total beef production while Pakistan exports only 0.5% of the world’s consumption.

The demand for beef from China stood significantly higher than what Pakistan was exporting in “raw form”, he said.

There are 15 private slaughter houses in Pakistan including those of TOMCL. They are engaged in exporting meat to different countries including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Oman and Bahrain. The Annual Report 2023 says the company is expanding its export market in the UAE.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 2^nd, 2024.

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