China and Pakistan have recently signed a protocol under which the former will import donkey meat and hides from the latter.
The agreement took place during Chinese Prime Minister Li Qiang’s visit to Pakistan for the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) meeting.
This agreement, between Pakistan’s Ministry of National Food Security and Research and China’s General Administration of Customs, outlines quarantine requirements for these exports.
While it may seem unusual, donkey meat is a popular delicacy in China and is commonly used in various cuisines, including the well-known ‘Donkey Burger.’ This sandwich is a staple in regions like Baoding and Hejian, Hebei Province.
There’s even a famous saying in Baoding: “In Heaven, there is dragon meat, on Earth there is donkey meat,” underscoring the meat’s cultural significance.
Besides its use in burgers and other foods, donkey hides are prized for producing Ejiao, a traditional Chinese medicine believed to improve blood circulation. Ejiao is used as a blood tonic, especially by individuals suffering from anemia or reproductive health issues. The gelatin, derived from donkey skins through soaking and stewing, is primarily produced in China’s coastal provinces.
Pakistan has around six million donkeys, with China emerging as a major market for both their meat and hides. Delays in finalizing the export protocol had previously hindered trade, but with this agreement now in place, the process is set to move forward.
Next, companies involved in the trade, including Hangeng Group, will need to register. The Hanging Group plans to build a donkey slaughterhouse in the Gwadar Free Zone, with the capacity to process up to 216,000 donkeys annually. This project is expected to boost foreign investment as part of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
Additionally, donkey farms have been established across Pakistan, and the Ministry is currently reviewing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for their formal registration. Previously, Pakistan imported donkey hides from African countries for processing and re-export, though this practice was suspended in November 2023 due to objections from China’s customs authorities.
This new deal marks a significant step in strengthening trade ties between Pakistan and China while opening up new avenues for Pakistan’s agricultural and medicinal exports.
