China shows interest in setting up donkey farms in Pakistan

China shows interest in setting up donkey farms in Pakistan as it would enhance trade relations between two countries.

A Chinese delegation has shown a strong interest in setting up donkey farms in Pakistan, highlighting the country’s suitable conditions for breeding donkeys.

During a meeting in Islamabad with Pakistan’s Minister for National Food Security and Research, Rana Tanveer Hussain, and China’s Donkey Industry Vice President Zhao Fei, the minister welcomed the proposal and reiterated the strong bilateral ties between the two nations, as per an official press release.

The minister stated that formal permission for establishing donkey farms would be granted through a proper agreement, ensuring that all legal procedures are met. He also assured that the agreement would include clauses to protect the indigenous donkey population.

He added that Chinese firms would be permitted to develop these farms within the Gwadar Export Processing Zone, which would also host slaughterhouses and export facilities to facilitate the shipment of donkey meat to China via Gwadar Port.

According to the minister, the project would not only enhance exports but also strengthen trade relations with China. Moreover, it is expected to open up new avenues for economic growth and job creation in Pakistan.

A previous high-level meeting held in October between officials from both countries led to the approval of a ‘Protocol on Quarantine Requirements’ for exporting donkey meat to China.

In July, Ahsan Ali Mangi, then acting as the additional secretary of the Ministry of Commerce, informed a committee that the protocol for exporting donkey skins had been completed, and plans were in motion to add donkey meat to the export list.