Pakistan to produce FMD vaccines in a year

Intends to export meat to Turkiye, strengthen cooperation

KARACHI:

Pakistan and Turkiye have agreed to further strengthen bilateral cooperation in the livestock sector, particularly in the areas of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) control, vaccine manufacturing, livestock development and meat exports.

The understanding was reached during a meeting between Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research Rana Tanveer Hussain and Turkiye Minister of Agriculture and Forestry Ibrahim Yumakli.

Hussain told his Turkish counterpart that Pakistan was pursuing the establishment of facilities for manufacturing FMD vaccines within one year. In this regard, two projects are being undertaken – one by the government of Punjab and the other at the federal level. He stated that Pakistan intended to export meat to Turkiye following the successful completion of the FMD-free zone. Both sides agreed to pursue cooperation in these areas for mutual benefit.

The food minister emphasised that Pakistan was keen to benefit from Turkiye's experience in livestock development, disease control and vaccine production. He voiced confidence that enhanced bilateral cooperation would contribute to strengthening Pakistan's livestock sector and opening new avenues for agricultural trade.