TDAP 'optimistic' of UAE resuming import of fresh chilled meat by sea from Pakistan

The Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) is "optimistic" that the United Arab Emirates (UAE) will resume the export of fresh chilled meat from Pakistan and find an amicable resolution on the issue.

In a statement issued on Thursday, TDAP said that it is “actively addressing the recent ban imposed” by UAE’s Ministry of Climate Change and Environment on the export of fresh chilled meat by sea from Pakistan.

The authority said that the “initial investigations” showed that the “sub-standard quality of meat” had arrived in the UAE “allegedly due to inefficient/non-functionality of the refrigeration system installed in the reefer containers”. It added that it was the shipping line’s responsibility to ensure that the meat was refrigerated.

“It has also been learnt that the exporters concerned have filed damages against the shipping line,” the statement further said.

TDAP also stated that the Pakistani Consulate in Dubai requested a “formal meeting” with the UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment to present “Pakistan's viewpoint and comprehensively address their concerns”.

“The Mission will seek to assuage the concerns highlighted by the UAE authorities and at the same time strongly advocate for the vacation of the ban,” TDAP said.

UAE tightens meat import rules from Pakistan

The News reported, earlier today, that the UAE had tightened its rules on the import of meat from Pakistan after receiving complaints of substandard shipments from the country.

The UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment said in a notification dated September 19, 2023, that it will only allow fresh or chilled meat from Pakistan that is vacuum-packed or modified-atmosphere packed and has a shelf life of 60 to 120 days from the date of slaughtering.

The new restrictions will take effect from October 10, 2023, and will apply to all other types of packaged fresh or chilled meat that are not allowed to be imported from Pakistan by sea, the notification said.

The UAE is one of the major markets for Pakistani meat exports.

The notification also listed 18 Pakistani companies that are approved to export meat and poultry products to the UAE, including Zenith Associates, P.K. Livestock and Meat Co. (Pvt) Ltd, Organic Meat Co, Tata Best Foods, K&N Food Co, Big Bird Foods. Pvt. Ltd, Hilal Meat Processing, Al Shaheer Corporation (Private) Limited, Fauji Meat Limited, Hamza Meat and Poultry, Al–Rahim Farming Meat, Tazij Meats and Food Co, Abedin International Pvt. Ltd, Asia Livestock and Meat Company, Pakistan food products, Meat World Pvt. Limited, and Hamza Halal Food.