ISLAMABAD: The leadership of the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) and various chambers of commerce on Thursday lauded the efforts of Tajikistan’s Ambassador to Pakistan, Yusuf Sharifzoda Toir, for facilitating increased exports in the halal meat sector.
Speaking to APP, FPCCI President Atif Ikram Sheikh highlighted vast opportunities in the halal meat industry, noting that Pakistan plans to export 143,000 tons of halal meat worth $14.5 million to Tajikistan. He said the initiative would not only boost halal product trade but also strengthen overall bilateral trade between the two countries.
He added that Pakistan-Tajikistan trade could reach $500 million in the coming years, with business communities from both sides playing a key role in unlocking potential sectors.
Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI) President Sardar Tahir Mehmood described Tajikistan as an important trading partner, with significant potential in halal trade and agricultural products. He credited Ambassador Toir for providing a future-oriented vision to enhance bilateral economic ties.
The ambassador has played a proactive role in promoting trade cooperation, particularly in halal meat exports aimed at meeting Tajikistan’s demand, which had earlier expressed interest in around 100,000 tons, the ICCI president said.
Sardar Tahir noted that the initiative is part of broader efforts to raise bilateral trade to $500 million through improved trade facilitation, logistics, and possible preferential trade agreements. He also pointed to growing educational cooperation, including a memorandum of understanding for student and faculty exchanges, particularly in medical education.
Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) President Faheemur Rehman Saigol stressed the need for a preferential trade agreement between Pakistan and Tajikistan to promote trade liberalisation and regional economic integration. He also called for the resumption of direct flights between the two countries, saying it would strengthen economic, trade, and cultural ties while boosting tourism.
Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI) President Usman Shaukat termed Tajikistan a key partner for Pakistan and underlined the importance of Central Asian markets for regional connectivity. He appreciated Tajikistan’s robust annual GDP growth of around eight per cent and called for regular exchange of business delegations to deepen economic cooperation.
Officials said the halal meat export initiative aligns with Pakistan’s broader policy to increase its share in the global halal market, particularly in Muslim-majority countries, through improved livestock productivity, cold storage infrastructure, and compliance with international standards.
Pakistan produces around six million metric tons of halal meat annually, with sufficient surplus available for export after meeting domestic demand. Commerce ministry officials said exports to Tajikistan are expected to commence in the near future, supporting Pakistan’s outreach to Central Asian markets and complementing similar efforts in Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, Iran, and Gulf countries.
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