LAHORE, Nov 6: Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif said on Saturday the shipment of 25 ton meat to Malaysia, the first time in the country's history, was a great achievement.

Addressing a function on the occasion of shipment of the first consignment of halal meat to Malaysia, the chief minister said the development of the livestock sector could help increase export of meat as well as strengthen the national economy.

He said he was ready to spend Rs1 billion on the provision of facilities to this industry if the private sector promised to achieve the target of export of two billion dollars of halal meat during the next two years.

Shahbaz said the livestock had a key importance in the national economy, and development of this sector could help overcome poverty and unemployment.

He said the Allah Almighty has bestowed land, grazing fields and talented workforce, but despite these resources Pakistan's share in the meat business of $600 billion in the world was negligible whereas India was exporting meat of $21 billion.

The government was implementing a comprehensive strategy for the development of livestock and a shipment of 25 ton meat was being sent to Malaysia.

The chief minister said a state-of-the-art slaughterhouse would be set up in Punjab, and the private sector would be given incentives for setting up farms of calves.

He said the export of meat to the Middle East, Saudi Arabia, Malaysia and other countries could be increased by improving the quality of livestock.

He assured meat association office bearers that no effort would be spared for providing them maximum facilities, and they should come forward and play their role for increasing export of halal meat.

Meanwhile, the cief minister presided over a meeting to review progress on low-cost housing scheme 'Aasiana'.

Punjab Land Development Company Chairman Sheikh Allauddin, MPAs, senior member BoR, housing secretary, Lahore division commissioner and Syed Maratab Ali were also present.

Addressing the meeting, the chief minister said the government was launching the low-cost housing scheme for low income groups.

He said in the first phase sites had been identified for low-cost housing schemes while design of houses had also been approved.

The chief minister said all basic facilities would be ensured in these schemes and a quota would be reserved for widows, orphans and the disabled.

The meeting was informed about prices of houses in housing schemes, provision of necessary facilities and other issues.