News release
The Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform (MAWLR) have recently informed the livestock industry, export abattoir operators and the general public about its achievement on making significant progress with securing market access for the Namibian meat and meat products from both the North and South of the Veterinary Cordon Fence (VCF) to the Middle East.
In July 2023, the MAWLR undertook a mission to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Qatar for market exploration for the exportation of Namibian meat. The delegation held trade negotiation meetings with competent veterinary authorities of the UAE, and the Ministry of Public Health of Qatar to discuss import, animal health and veterinary public health requirements to export Namibia meat from both North and South of the Veterinary Cordon Fence.
Similarly, discussions were held with the Halal accreditation authorities of UAE and Qatar, Food business operators, Importers and Exporters, Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Halal Trade and Marketing Centre of UAE which are all main role players in the meat industry value chain of their respective countries.
The visit negotiated successfully on the import requirements for exportation of beef from the export approved abattoirs in the Northern Communal Areas to Qatar, and exportation of beef and lamb from South of the Veterinary Cordon to the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
This was followed by further consultations between the Directorate of Veterinary Services with its counterparts in both countries which resulted in obtaining the veterinary export health certificates for export of meat to United Arab Emirates and Qatar.
It is therefore imperative for the Namibian export approved abattoirs to take advantage of this market opportunity and engage the Halal certifying bodies approved by UAE and Qatar authorities for accreditation of their export establishments for compliance with UAE and Qatar halal laws prior to export.
The ministry has further encouraged export approved abattoirs to engage with the importers of meat and meat products in UAE and Qatar for registration of the products they intend to export, once their establishments/abattoirs are Halal accredited. Further inquiries can be addressed to the Chief Veterinary Office at: Albertina.shilongo@mawlr.gov.na