A Pakistan-China joint venture has secured four acres of land in Gwadar to establish a donkey slaughterhouse and processing plant aimed at exporting donkey meat and hides to China.
Shahzad and Shao (Private), a joint venture between Pakistani and Chinese companies, received the land on August 10 in the Gwadar North Free Zone.
The project is part of efforts to develop Pakistan’s livestock value chain and expand agricultural exports to China.
Donkey Plant Gets Approval for Construction
The company has already started preliminary preparations for the facility. Initial soil testing has been completed according to the required regulations.
Moreover, the company has obtained a government-approved quota to slaughter 150,000 donkeys annually.
A Gwadar Port Authority (GPA) official said the company has secured the necessary licenses and no-objection certificates. These approvals include clearances from the Ministry of National Food Security and Research and the Animal Quarantine Department.
The company has also obtained approval from China’s General Administration of Customs (GACC) for the relevant export requirements.
Plans to Develop Donkey Farms
The joint venture also plans to establish donkey farms in cooperation with local farmers.
According to the GPA, efforts are underway to work with farmers in Sindh and Punjab. This approach could help create a more integrated supply chain for the processing facility.
In addition, the project could create new opportunities for local livestock farmers and businesses involved in animal husbandry and logistics.
Donkey Meat and Hide Exports Already Underway
The development follows two recent consignments of donkey meat and hides from Gwadar to China.
Hangeng exported two shipments worth $195,425 from the Gwadar North Free Zone. The company completed the required inspections, certifications, and regulatory procedures in both Pakistan and China.
The shipments contained frozen donkey meat and hides transported to China by sea.
According to a Hangeng official, the exports followed Pakistan’s formal decision to lift the ban on exporting donkey hides to China.
China Offers a Growing Market
China has significant demand for donkey meat and hides. Donkey hides are particularly valuable because they serve as a key raw material for Ejiao, a traditional Chinese medicinal product.
Pakistan has one of the world’s largest donkey populations. The country is estimated to have around 5.8 million donkeys.
Therefore, increased processing and exports could create opportunities to develop a previously underutilized livestock resource.
Gwadar Attracts More Investment
The donkey processing project is also generating interest from other companies seeking land in the Gwadar North Free Zone.
Several firms have reportedly applied for land, including MLG Farms, Sang Yang Global Limited, Foshan Brothers and Sisters Trading Company.
As more companies enter the zone, Gwadar could develop a broader livestock processing and export ecosystem.
Strengthening Pakistan-China Trade
The development highlights the expanding scope of Pakistan-China economic cooperation beyond traditional infrastructure and energy projects.
Furthermore, Gwadar’s location provides companies with direct access to maritime trade routes linking Pakistan with international markets.
With new processing facilities, farming partnerships, and export activity, the Gwadar North Free Zone could play a growing role in Pakistan’s livestock value chain and agricultural trade with China.
Read More Articles:
Gwadar Safe City Project Advances with Cabling
