The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has imposed a ban on certain frozen as well as fresh meat imports from Pakistan through the sea route after the fungus was found in some products.
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UAE Places Restrictions on Pakistani Frozen Meat Imports
According to media reports in Pakistan, the UAE’s Ministry of Climate Change and Environment placed restrictions on frozen meat arriving in the country by sea from Pakistan, following the arrival of sub-standard quality meat from Pakistan.
The Trade Development Authority of Pakistan is working actively to deal with the ban.
The ban will stay until at least October 10th. But, according to the news, the UAE might allow meat from Pakistan to be brought by airplane if they follow certain standards.
Meat must be vacuum-packed and must have a shelf life of 60 to 120 days from the date of the slaughter of the animal.
Pakistan Addresses Quality Concerns
The Trade Development Authority of Pakistan has given the statement that: “Initial investigations have revealed that the sub-standard quality of meat was allegedly due to inefficient / non-functionality of the refrigeration system installed in the reefer containers, which is a responsibility of the shipping lines.”
“It has also been learned that the concerned exporters have filed damages against the shipping line.“
“The Pakistani Consulate, in Dubai, has engaged with stakeholders, to ascertain the reason for this unfortunate event.”
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.
UAE Tightens Import
The local news reported earlier, that the UAE had tightened its rules on the import 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 products from Pakistan that are vacuum-packed or modified-atmosphere packed and have 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 are not allowed to be imported from Pakistan by sea, the notification said.
Vital Trade
The United Arab Emirates is one of the major markets where Pakistan exports its products.
The notification has also listed 18 Pakistani companies that have been approved by the authorities to export 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 Processing, Al Shaheer Corporation (Private) Limited, Fauji Meat Limited, Hamza Poultry, Al–Rahim Farming, 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.
Pakistan’s Export to UAE
Every month, the meat industry of Pakistan exports about $12 million worth of fresh products to the United Arab Emirates. These exports contribute significantly to the country’s economy.
This trade relationship between UAE and Pakistan is crucial for both countries.
For Pakistan, these exports generate significant revenue, and the UAE relies on imported products to meet the demands of its population and visitors.
The transportation of these products from Pakistan to the UAE mainly takes place through the sea route, which involves shipping containers loaded with fresh products.
This method ensures a steady supply of products to meet the demands of consumers in the UAE.
These exports have played a big role in supporting the agricultural and livestock sectors in Pakistan while contributing to the food security and diverse culinary preferences of the UAE and other Middle Eastern countries where Pakistani meat is highly regarded for its quality and taste.
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