The industry body has welcomed the Pakistani government announcement as a ‘major breakthrough’ for Brazil’s poultry industry.

Pakistan’s 95 per cent Muslim population will mean a big demand for Halal meat, something UBABEF President Francisco Turra said is within Brazil’s capabilities.

"We have built over decades a great experience in producing 'halal',” said Mr Turra. “Brazilian is a leader in this international segment, signifying the quality of our product to the Islamic Pakistani public.”

He added: “In this sense, our credibility was critical to the success of the negotiations for the opening of this market."

He described the current 4.5 kilograms per person per year as ‘pretty low’ and hoped that Brazil can boost demand.

Opening Pakistan’s doors was the number one goal for 2014, he added.

UBABEF efforts will focus on tailoring product for local demand in the weeks ahead. Mr Turra said talking to Pakistan’s leading poultry producers will be important to any fact finding efforts.