UAE lifts ban on Pakistan's poultry import - UAE - The United Arab Emirates has lifted a ban on the import of poultry from Pakistan, which took effect in 2003 for the fear of bird flu, the local news agency News Network International reported Monday.

The ban on Pakistan brought its 50 million US dollars annual poultry export to zero within two years.

Ch. Abdul Majeed, chairman of the export committee of Pakistan Poultry Association, said talks were under way with four other countries, including Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Oman, and Bangladesh, to bring to an end to the restrictions on Pakistan's poultry exports.

He said that Saudi Arabia had also agreed in principle to review the restriction but still no decision came out.

Majeed said that Aajab Gul, Pakistan's counsel general in Jeddah,western port city of Saudi Arabia, is in close contact with Saudi authorities to get the ban lifted.

Same efforts are being made with other countries to bring Pakistan's poultry exports back on the track, according to Majeed.

Pakistan exported one day old chicks and eggs to the four Gulf countries and Bangladesh but suspended two years ago due to fear of bird flu.

Source: Xinhua News Agency - 21st March 2005