In a major development, Chinese Company “Hangeng” operated in Gwadar North Free Zone has finally exported donkey meat and hides valuing $195,425 through two consignments to China after fulfilling all inspections, criteria, certifications and regulations from Pakistan and China.

The first consignment valuing $ 66.060 with net weight of 27.5 MT was sent to China on July 5. Second consignment valuing $129,356 with net weight of 67.07 MT was shipped on July 9.

A Hangeng official told Gwadar Pro that both export activity came to happen after formal lifting of ban on the export of donkey hides to China by the government of Pakistan.

All donkey meat was dispatched in frozen condition through ships.

Under the agreed protocols, the Hangeng facility operates within a strictly controlled “only exit by air or sea” policy in the Gwadar Free Zone to ensure no by-products enter the local Pakistani market.

Pakistan’s first China-led top-notch construction of modern slaughterhouse for donkey meat and hide was completed at a cost of 50 million dollars last year.

Groundbreaking took place on 4th May 2024 by Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh during the unveiling ceremony of the Agriculture Industrial Park in Gwadar Free Zone.

In China, there is a significant market demand for donkey meat and hides, particularly as donkey hides serve as a crucial raw material for Ejiao, a traditional Chinese medicinal product.

Pakistan, the world’s third-largest donkey-owning country, has a population of approximately 5.8 million donkeys.

Through this partnership, China aims to leverage its expertise in the Ejiao industry to assist Pakistan in formulating a development plan for the donkey industry.

This includes establishing a breeding demonstration base, training livestock professionals, setting up a scientific research laboratory for technological innovation, advancing donkey product processing projects, and promoting the export of related products.

The initiative is expected to transform Pakistan’s donkey industry into a driving force for local economic and social development.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP) — Pak-China