ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has opened a new export avenue for donkey meat and hides to China, creating potential opportunities for livestock breeders, farmers and exporters.
The development follows the government’s approval of protocols governing exports of donkey meat and hides to China, with shipments being processed through approved facilities in the Gwadar Free Zone.
The Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) approved the export of donkey meat and hides from Gwadar Port to China in April, following a proposal from the Food Security Division.
Pakistan’s Ministry of National Food Security and Research has said the emerging industry could encourage investment in donkey breeding, processing facilities and related businesses. The government has also indicated that breeding farms would help ensure supplies while protecting the country’s existing donkey population.
China’s demand for donkey products is linked to several uses, including donkey meat as well as hides used in products such as ejiao, a traditional Chinese medicinal product.
The development could provide an additional commercial market for farmers and livestock breeders who have traditionally relied on donkeys for transport and other rural activities.
It could also generate opportunities for exporters, processors and logistics companies as the sector expands.
The government has stressed the need for regulated breeding and processing facilities. Export operations are subject to veterinary, sanitary and quarantine requirements agreed between Pakistan and China.
In April, the ECC approved exports from Gwadar under existing export protocols. More recently, commercial consignments of donkey meat and hides have been shipped from the Gwadar Free Zone to China after completing the required inspections and certifications.
The emerging trade marks another potential area of agricultural cooperation between Pakistan and China and could help diversify Pakistan’s livestock exports.
Sources: Government of Pakistan, Dawn, China Economic Net
