Pakistan has officially begun exporting premium-quality donkey meat to China for the first time, marking a new milestone in the country’s livestock export sector. The first shipment, produced in the Gwadar Free Zone, successfully cleared customs at Tianjin Port and entered the Chinese market.
The export is part of efforts to expand agricultural trade between Pakistan and China under the second phase of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). Officials believe the initiative will create new business opportunities, attract foreign investment, and strengthen economic cooperation between the two countries.
The meat is being processed at a modern $50 million slaughterhouse established by Chinese company Hengeng Trading Enterprise in the Gwadar North Free Zone. The facility has received all the necessary approvals from Pakistani authorities and China’s customs and quarantine departments before starting exports.
China has a strong demand for donkey meat and donkey hides, particularly for producing Ejiao, a traditional product made from donkey hide that is widely used in Chinese medicine. Pakistan’s large donkey population makes it well-positioned to supply this growing market.
Officials say the project could generate employment, increase exports, and boost Pakistan’s livestock industry. The export initiative is also expected to encourage more investment in meat processing and value-added agricultural products in Gwadar and other parts of the country.
The first shipment represents a new export opportunity for Pakistan and highlights the country’s efforts to diversify its export portfolio. If demand continues to grow, officials believe the initiative could contribute to higher export earnings while strengthening long-term trade relations with China.
