Pakistan secures Azerbaijan meat deal

Industry lobby sees meat export breakthrough as gateway to Central Asian markets

KARACHI:

The President of the Korangi Association of Trade and Industry (KATI), Mohammad Ikram Rajput, has hailed Pakistan's recent success in securing market access for meat exports to Azerbaijan, describing it as a positive step for the country's trade and industrial growth.

He said this development would open new avenues for Pakistan's exporters and manufacturers to expand into Central Asian markets.

Rajput praised the efforts of the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP), noting that this milestone would not only benefit the meat sector but also create opportunities for other key industries such as food processing, textiles, pharmaceuticals, and engineering.

He emphasised that industries in Karachi are producing world-class products, but enhanced trade diplomacy is essential at the government level to ensure effective access to new markets.

KATI president highlighted that countries such as Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and Turkmenistan have vast potential for Pakistani exports, given the growing demand in these regions for halal food products, textiles, and industrial goods.

He urged the government to regularly send business delegations to these countries to establish direct commercial linkages and explore new export opportunities.

Rajput added that KATI is closely coordinating with TDAP and the Ministry of Commerce to facilitate Karachi's industrial exporters by providing guidance on target markets, logistics, and trade regulations. He stressed that prioritising regional trade within Pakistan's export policy is vital for sustainable economic growth.