Enhancing Pakistan’s Halal meat industry to increase its share in the global market is oftenly ignored area. There is growing need to identify the necessity for a better understanding international Halal meat export and the high demand for certified Halal products.
At present, there are 22 Halal meat processing plants in the country out of which 16 are operating in Punjab. Demand for Halal’ foods is increasing, not only in the US, Europe and Canada, but also in the Middle East, Southeast Asia, North Africa and Australia. This provides Pakistan with a great economic opportunity to increase Halal meat products’ exports up to $5 billion.
With around 470 million Halal consumers in only the neighboring countries, Pakistan can become the Halal hub of the region in about one year’s time, this will boost Pakistan’s exports by a couple of billion dollars. The basic reason for this is that Pakistani products without proper Halal Certification are not accepted as HALAL in the World. Adding more, it appears to be a Total Lack of awareness in Pakistan about the benefits of the ‘Halal Certification’ and its importance as a powerful marketing tool.
Pakistan can earn huge amount by investing into halal meat and exporting it after meeting local demand. European market size of halal meat is about $66 billion while France having the largest share of $17 billion alone. In UK the halal meat sale is amounting to $600 million annually while the American Muslims spend $13 billion on halal meat per annum.
Currently, Pakistan’s Halal certification process and testing facilities need to be developed, and there needs to be a higher level of awareness among producers about the benefits of Halal certification. We must understand that the international Halal market, is not confined to Muslim-majority countries, even non-Muslim countries represent a lucrative opportunity for Pakistan.
There are substantial markets, like India and the United States, where the Halal meat trade is booming. It is, however, incumbent upon Pakistani exporters to comply with international standards and effective marketing strategies, crucial for building brand loyalty and capturing a significant market share.
There is a need that out export strategy must include a collaborative approach between government and private sectors to address certification compliance and to enhance value chains, facilitating Pakistan’s emergence as a critical player in the $650 billion over Halal meat market.
Pakistan has a vast potential of becoming the hub of halal meat/products because of its overwhelming Muslim population, agriculture base, a vibrant agro-sector and hardworking people. It can easily enter the world Halal markets and make a brand name provided concerted efforts are made in this direction with zeal and vigour. The will is not lacking but the expertise is. What needs to be done is to channelize the existing potential by the provision of institutional support and legal structures that includes certification and branding for the management of Halal meat/products exports.
