Pakistan has officially initiated plans to export donkey meat and hides to China, following the signing of a protocol during the recent visit of Chinese Prime Minister Li Qiang.
The agreement, involving Pakistan’s Ministry of National Food Security and Research (M/o NFS&R) and China’s General Administration of Customs (GACC), sets forth the necessary quarantine requirements for these exports, paving the way for increased trade between the two nations.
China’s demand for donkey products
With an estimated donkey population of 5.9 million, Pakistan has a substantial resource to meet the demands of the Chinese market, where donkey meat is not only a culinary delicacy but also an essential ingredient in the production of Ejiao, a traditional Chinese medicinal gelatin.
Previous attempts to export these products faced hurdles due to delays in finalizing the protocol, but with its completion, the pathway for trade has been cleared.
The next critical phase following the protocol’s signing will be the registration of companies involved in the export and import process.
Notably, Hangeng Group is set to establish a donkey slaughterhouse in the Gwadar Free Zone, which is expected to process up to 216,000 donkeys annually for both meat and hides. This development aligns with broader initiatives to promote foreign investment under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), enhancing economic ties between the two countries.
Expanding donkey farms
In addition to the slaughterhouse, donkey farms are being established in various regions across Pakistan, with the Ministry currently reviewing the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) necessary for their registration. The expansion aims to bolster local production capabilities and ensure a steady supply for export.
Previously, Pakistan permitted the import of donkey hides from African countries for processing and subsequent re-export; however, this practice was halted in November 2023 following objections from the GACC. As the country prepares for its new export venture, officials remain optimistic about the economic benefits that the donkey trade could bring to Pakistan, both in terms of revenue and job creation.
