APMEPA Rejected the Punjab Policy for the Export of Live Animals
The All Pakistan Meat Exporters and Processors Association (APMEPA) has rejected the recent policy of the Punjab government regarding the export of live animals. The association has appealed to the government for an immediate review. The association is of the opinion that this policy will prove detrimental to the country’s meat processing industry, value addition and meat exports, while it is also contrary to the vision of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz for value addition. This policy will also undermine the ongoing efforts of the Punjab Livestock Department for livestock production and value addition.
Effects of Export of Live Animals
The association says that modern meat processing plants and slaughterhouses have been established in the country with an investment of billions of rupees, but even at present these institutions are not getting animals according to their production capacity.
Association’s Live Animals Export Policy Note
If large scale export of live animals is allowed, local slaughterhouses and meat processing plants will face a severe shortage of raw materials, which will jeopardize investments worth billions of rupees. Along with this, the meat export sector will also be badly affected, which will reduce the earning of valuable foreign exchange.
All Pakistan Meat Exporters and Processors Association (APMEPA)
Against the Vision of CM Punjab
According to the association, the vision of the Punjab Chief Minister is based on value addition, industrial development and increase in exports. Allowing the export of live animals will cause irreparable damage to these sectors. Instead of exporting live animals, if meat and value-added products are processed locally and exported, Pakistan can earn more foreign exchange. This will also create new employment opportunities and further strengthen the meat industry.
Halal Meat Exporters and Meat Processors in Pakistan
The All Pakistan Meat Exporters and Processors Association expressed concern that if the current policy of live cattle export is implemented at any level, the availability of animals for milk and meat in the country may be affected, which is likely to cause long-term damage to the livestock sector, meat industry and related businesses.
Appeal to Review the Policy of Export of Live Animals
The All Pakistan Meat Exporters and Processors Association has appealed to Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz and the relevant authorities to review the live livestock export policy and give priority to meat exports so as to promote value addition, local industry, employment and domestic exports.
