Pakistan Has Huge Potential to Promote the Export of Halal Products

Pakistan has huge potential to promote the export of Halal products. This was also emphasized at a recent multi-sectoral stakeholder dialogue on 'Export-Oriented Halal Trade and Industry' held in Islamabad. The focus was on government-private sector cooperation to harness this untapped potential to promote exports and strengthen the economy. Currently, Pakistan's share is negligible. The government was urged to develop policies favorable to the Halal industry to bring the sector's exports to US$5-6 billion within a few years. This was said in a policy dialogue on 'Incentivizing Change in Export-Oriented Halal Trade and Industry' organized by Global Halal Services (Pvt.) Ltd.

Rana Awais Khan, executive of Global Halal Services, said that strict adherence to Halal standards, quality certification and government support help promote the export of Halal products. He said Halal meat is one of the fastest-growing markets in the world, contributing 16% to world trade, and Pakistan, as a Muslim country, should make full use of this. He emphasized that Halal meat exports should specifically target China, Turkey, Malaysia, Indonesia and Central Asian countries, rather than only Arab countries. He urged the government to mobilize all institutions dedicated to promoting Halal food exports to fully realize the sector's export potential. He emphasized that the government should designate special Halal meat zones and provide them with 10-year tax incentives to attract new investment in the sector.

The guest of honor said that because Pakistan has all the required raw materials, Pakistan has the potential to play an important role in the global Halal meat industry and become a market leader. He said Pakistan has huge economic potential to sell its Halal products globally with higher credibility by leveraging its status as a Muslim country. He said that in addition to beef, Pakistan should also utilize the channels of seafood, ostrich, mutton and poultry farming to increase its export turnover. This not only diversifies our economic expansion but also increases the country's overall food security.

Ahsan Zafar Bakhtawri, Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia, ICCI President, Director General Akhter Bughio, Senior Vice President Faad Waheed and other speakers also emphasized the export potential of the Halal industry and stressed that the government should cooperate with the private sector to promote exports in this sector.

Currently, Pakistan accounts for only 0.26% of global Halal food trade, although not a single Muslim country ranks in the top five. By working with the private sector, Pakistan can have a larger share of the US$3.2 trillion Halal industry. Therefore, Pakistan's business sector must take timely, comprehensive and practical measures to increase the output of its commercial goods in order to collaborate globally. In addition, Pakistan can also increase the global standing of its Halal industry by formulating policies, implementing Halal certification, and providing local merchants with Halal storage facilities. Furthermore, the latest technology, innovation and R&D can also play a role in promoting Halal product exports.

The dialogue aimed to bring together the world's leading Halal regulatory bodies, federal ministers and secretaries, trade associations, policymakers and advisors, consuls general, INGOs, Halal certification brands, political leaders, scientists, researchers, certification bodies and business stakeholders to exchange and share their experiences competing in the global Halal market.

The conclusions and recommendations, specific suggestions and experiences drawn from the thought-provoking talks will be shared by the learned delegates and participants. The shared content will be recorded and distributed to decision-makers, legislators, academia, industry and commerce, and relevant national and international organizations for execution and implementation.