ISLAMABAD, Pakistan, Feb 23:  Pakistan's Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) is reportedly set to study a proposal to lift the ban on live animal exports, with a particular focus on the export of live goats to Kuwait. The move is aimed at boosting trade relations with Kuwait and attracting foreign investments. The ban, which has been in place since mid-2013, also covers other live animals such as sheep and cattle.

According to a media report, the proposal has been triggered by significant interest from Kuwait's livestock company which has requested to import sheep and goats from Pakistan instead of Australia. The move could pave the way for more trade opportunities, though it could also lead to an increase in local meat prices and impact Pakistan's processed meat exports, as warned by official sources.

The report further stated that the initial ban on the export of live animals to Kuwait was imposed by the ECC in July 2013, a decision that was later ratified by Pakistan’s Federal Government. However, the Kuwait livestock company’s recent appeal to source sheep and goats from Pakistan has garnered significant attention. Following a review by the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) in June 2024 and January 2025, the council recommended lifting the ban on exports to Kuwait.

To avoid adverse effects on Pakistan's local market, the Ministry of National Food Security has proposed setting an annual export limit of 100,000 fattened male goats and sheep, with the number being reevaluated each year. Furthermore, the proposal comes with strict conditions. The exported animals must be sourced from registered farms dedicated to commercial fattening, with each farm maintaining a minimum of 100 male goats or sheep. The animals must also be at least 18 months old and weigh no less than 50 kilograms.

While the lifting of the ban is seen as a potential opportunity for increasing bilateral trade and foreign investments, concerns have been raised by the Ministry of Commerce regarding the negative impact on Pakistan’s value-added meat and leather industries. The Ministry cautioned that allowing live animal exports could reduce Pakistan's foreign exchange earnings since processed meat and leather products command higher international prices.

In addition to concerns over reduced export revenues, there are also worries about the potential impact on domestic meat prices. According to the Ministry of National Food Security’s 2022-23 report, the per capita availability of meat in Pakistan was recorded at 22.79kg per year, slightly below the recommended 23-24kg. With food inflation rising at 20% in the third quarter of FY24, some officials fear that lifting the ban on live animal exports could drive local meat prices even higher.

The decision by the ECC to consider easing the ban reflects an effort to strike a balance between expanding trade opportunities with Kuwait and protecting Pakistan's local meat market and related industries. The matter is expected to be further evaluated by the relevant authorities before a final decision is made.