The Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) has taken prompt action to resolve concerns raised by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) regarding sub-standard meat exports, which resulted in a temporary ban on imports, as reported by ARY News on Thursday.
The TDAP has actively addressed the recent ban imposed by the UAE’s Ministry of Climate Change and Environment on the export of fresh chilled meat (by sea) from Pakistan, effective from October 10, 2023.
This ban was prompted by the arrival of several containers of sub-standard fresh beef in Dubai, which was reported by the Dubai Municipal Authorities.
Initial investigations have revealed that the meat’s sub-standard quality was allegedly due to the malfunctioning of the refrigeration systems installed in the containers, a responsibility of the shipping lines. It has also come to light that the exporters involved have filed damage claims against the shipping line.
The Pakistani Consulate in Dubai has engaged with relevant stakeholders to determine the cause of this unfortunate incident. They have requested a formal meeting with the UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment to present Pakistan’s perspective and comprehensively address the UAE’s concerns.
The consulate aims to alleviate the concerns raised by the UAE authorities while strongly advocating for the lifting of the ban.
TDAP is committed to facilitating fair trade relations between Pakistan and the UAE while upholding international standards of quality and safety. It is optimistic that constructive dialogue and cooperation will lead to an amicable resolution, allowing the resumption of fresh chilled meat exports from Pakistan to the UAE.
TDAP continues to closely monitor developments in this case, ensuring that it is effectively managed and resolved.
Recently, it was reported that the UAE had temporarily banned the import of frozen meat from Pakistan via sea routes due to the discovery of fungus on the meat. This ban, in effect until October 10, has impacted Pakistan’s monthly fresh meat exports to the UAE, which are valued at $12 million, primarily transported through sea routes.
Pakistan is a significant exporter of fresh meat to the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Bahrain.
