China has shown a strong interest in establishing donkey farms in Pakistan, citing the country’s favourable environment for breeding, according to officials.
A Chinese delegation, led by Zhao Fei, Vice President of China’s Donkey Industry Branch, met with Pakistan’s Minister for National Food Security and Research, Rana Tanveer Hussain, in Islamabad on Saturday to discuss the initiative.
The minister welcomed the delegation and highlighted the robust bilateral ties between Pakistan and China.
“Permission to set up donkey farms will be granted under a formal agreement after fulfilling all legal requirements,” said Hussain.
He assured that the agreement would include safeguards to ensure that the breeding of Pakistan’s indigenous donkey population is not affected.
Under the proposed plan, China’s donkey industry would be permitted to establish farms in the Gwadar Export Processing Zone. The facilities will include slaughterhouses and export infrastructure to enable the shipment of donkey meat to China via Gwadar Port.
“This initiative would contribute to boosting Pakistan’s exports and strengthening trade ties with China along with creating new economic opportunities and employment at the local level,” the minister added.
The move reflects China’s growing demand for donkey-derived products, particularly gelatin made from donkey hides, used in traditional medicine and beauty products.
