Windhoek – The Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform in Namibia has announced a significant breakthrough in securing market access for the country’s meat and meat products to the Middle East. This development opens up new export opportunities for Namibian meat producers, particularly from both north and south of the Veterinary Cordon Fence (VCF).
According to Namibia Press Agency (NAMPA), the Ministry’s Executive Director, a delegation from the ministry visited the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Qatar in July 2023 to discuss export possibilities. The delegation engaged in trade negotiation meetings with veterinary authorities in the UAE and the Ministry of Public Health of Qatar. The discussions revolved around import, animal health, and veterinary public health requirements.
The Namibian delegation also interacted with halal accreditation authorities in the UAE and Qatar, as well as food business operators, importers, exporters, the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and the Halal Trade and Marketing Centre of UAE. These meetings were crucial in understanding the specific requirements and standards expected by these Middle Eastern countries.
Nghituwamata revealed that the visit successfully negotiated the import requirements for exporting beef from the export-approved abattoirs in the Northern Communal Areas to Qatar. Additionally, the exportation of beef and lamb from south of the VCF to the UAE was also agreed upon.
Namibia has since obtained a veterinary export health certificate, marking a critical step in formalizing these new export agreements. Nghituwamata emphasized the importance of this achievement and added that it is now crucial for Namibian export-approved abattoirs to engage with meat importers in the UAE and Qatar. The focus will be on registering the products intended for export, once their abattoirs receive halal accreditation.
This development represents a significant opportunity for Namibia’s meat industry, allowing it to expand its reach into lucrative Middle Eastern markets, thereby boosting the country’s agricultural exports and economic growth.