The Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) has declined a one-time exemption for the commercial export of sheep and goats to Kuwait following opposition from the Ministry of Commerce.
A proposal was recently submitted to the country's economic decision-making body. During discussions, the ECC was informed that allowing such exports could help Pakistan capture the market, as Australian animal farms might consider relocating to Pakistan.
However, the Ministry of Commerce opposed the proposal, citing detailed reasoning. The ECC stressed that consensus among stakeholders is essential before implementing any policy change. It also emphasised that all proposals should be circulated among relevant stakeholders before submission to the ECC.
The committee observed that granting a one-time exemption for live animal exports was not a viable approach and that a long-term strategy should be developed instead. It was noted that proposals should include a credible demand-supply and growth analysis before recommending exports. Additionally, domestic needs and price stability should be guiding principles when considering export policies. The ECC also noted that the proposal had originated from the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC). Therefore, all stakeholders should first deliberate on the matter at the SIFC Executive Committee level and then submit a consensus-backed proposal to the ECC.
However, the minister for National Food Security and Research cautioned against applying overly stringent criteria when evaluating proposals that offer clear economic benefits, particularly in light of constraints on exporting processed meat. The minister also urged the ECC to expedite decisions on such matters. The Ministry of National Food Security and Research informed the ECC that the commercial export of live animals had been banned in a meeting held on July 30, 2013.
Currently, there is significant demand for sheep and goats from Al-Mawashi, a leading livestock importer in Kuwait. Fulfilling this demand could strengthen trade ties between Pakistan and Kuwait, attract foreign investment, introduce advanced feedlot systems, and create employment opportunities. Recognising this potential, the SIFC had previously reviewed Al-Mawashi's offer to switch its live sheep and goat imports from Australia to Pakistan. The matter was discussed in the SIFC's 10th Executive Committee meeting on June 26, 2024, and reconsidered in the 12th meeting on January 22, 2025.
The SIFC recommended that the Ministry of National Food Security and Research review the ban on live animal exports and submit a formal proposal for lifting the restriction. In response, the Ministry of National Food Security and Research assessed the potential foreign investment from Al-Mawashi, the impact on trade relations with Kuwait, and the benefits of encouraging commercial-scale sheep and goat farming. It reviewed livestock population statistics and current meat export volumes before proposing an exemption to the ban.
The ministry recommended allowing the export of up to 100,000 fattened male sheep and goats per year, subject to an annual quota review and compliance with specific conditions. These conditions included that the sheep and goats for export must originate from fattening farms in provinces where such farms exist. Secondly, male sheep and goats must be at least 1.5 years old, with two incisor teeth and a minimum weight of 50 kg at the time of export. The ministry submitted the proposal for ECC approval. However, the ECC deferred its decision, directing the ministry to conduct comprehensive consultations with all stakeholders before resubmitting the proposal.
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