ISLAMABAD:

Pakistan has agreed to allow China’s donkey industry to establish farms in the Gwadar Export Processing Zone, paving the way for enhanced trade cooperation and local economic opportunities.

Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research, Rana Tanveer Hussain, held a meeting with Zaho Fei, Vice President of China’s Donkey Industry Branch, in Islamabad.

During the meeting, the Chinese delegation expressed strong interest in setting up donkey farms in Pakistan, citing the country’s favourable environment for donkey breeding.

Hussain welcomed the proposal, emphasising Pakistan’s longstanding partnership with China. He confirmed that permission for these farms would be granted under a formal agreement, once all legal requirements are met. The agreement will also ensure that the breeding of Pakistan’s local donkey population is not negatively impacted. The minister reiterated that the Chinese donkey industry would be allowed to operate within the Gwadar Export Processing Zone. Plans include the development of slaughterhouses and export facilities, enabling the shipment of donkey meat to China via Gwadar Port.

He noted that this initiative would contribute to increasing Pakistan’s exports and further strengthen economic ties with China. In addition to boosting trade, the promotion of the donkey industry is expected to create new employment and economic opportunities at the local level.