In an unusual but economically important development, a Chinese delegation has expressed serious interest in setting up donkey farms in Pakistan. The move is aimed at increasing the supply of donkey meat and skins for export to China, where demand for these products has been steadily rising.
During a meeting held in Islamabad on Saturday, Pakistan’s Minister for National Food Security, Rana Tanveer Hussain, met with Zhao Fei, Vice President of China’s Donkey Industry. According to the official press release, China wants to establish commercial-scale donkey farms in Pakistan, particularly in areas like the Gwadar Export Processing Zone.
Why Donkeys?
In China, donkey meat is considered a delicacy in some regions, and donkey skin is used to make “Ejiao”, a traditional Chinese medicine product. With demand growing and local donkey populations shrinking, China is looking abroad to meet its market needs, and Pakistan, with its large rural donkey population and suitable environment, is emerging as a potential partner.
What’s in It for Pakistan?
Minister Hussain welcomed China’s proposal and said that permission to establish the farms would be granted under a formal agreement. However, he made it clear that the deal would include legal safeguards to protect Pakistan’s local donkey population and ensure that breeding is managed responsibly.
The donkey farms will not only supply meat and skins for export but also help create:
Jobs in rural areas
Modern livestock infrastructure
Increased exports through the Gwadar Port
Is This Already Happening?
Yes, some groundwork has already been done. In October last year, both countries agreed on a quarantine protocol for exporting donkey meat. And in July, Pakistan’s Commerce Ministry finalized the export rules for donkey skins. Adding donkey meat to the export list was also discussed.
What’s Next?
Once the formal agreement is signed and legal conditions are met, Chinese companies are expected to:
Set up farms
Develop slaughterhouses and processing facilities
Begin exporting donkey meat and skins via the Gwadar Port
This collaboration reflects the growing trade partnership between China and Pakistan and shows how even unconventional sectors like donkey farming can create new economic opportunities.
Bottom Line
It may sound surprising at first, but donkey farming for export could become a new part of Pakistan’s agricultural economy, driven by China’s demand, enabled by Gwadar’s infrastructure, and protected by regulations.
What was once considered a humble working animal might just become a symbol of economic cooperation between two close allies.
