Pakistan eyes $200m boost through halal meat exports to Malaysia

Minister for National Food Security and Research, Rana Tanveer Hussain, on Monday stressed the importance of expanding halal meat exports as a key driver of sustainable economic growth.

Speaking at a high-level meeting focused on export strategies, the minister stated that the government is actively pursuing agreements to elevate Pakistan’s position in the global halal market. He confirmed that discussions are underway with Malaysia to formalise a potential export deal.

“If finalised, halal meat exports could hit $200 million over the next five years,” he said, highlighting the mutual benefits such a partnership would bring to both nations.

Tanveer underscored the growing potential for collaboration between Pakistan and Malaysia in multiple sectors—including agriculture, energy, information technology, and trade—with halal meat identified as a key area of opportunity.

He also assured that Pakistan is committed to maintaining international quality standards and is fully prepared to supply premium halal meat to Malaysia in the near future.

This follows recent developments during the Malaysian Prime Minister's visit to Pakistan, where both governments agreed to pursue a $200 million halal meat export deal. Pakistan is currently Malaysia’s third-largest trading partner in South Asia.

Further deepening bilateral economic ties, the Pakistan-Malaysia Business Council (PMBC) and Malaysia-Pakistan Business Council (MPBC) also discussed signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at boosting cooperation in halal trade.

The meeting was attended by Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan and Prime Minister’s Advisor on Industry Haroon Akhtar Khan, both of whom expressed support for advancing the halal meat export initiative.