First donkey meatpacking plant starts production in Gwadar

Pakistan has initiated the export of donkey meat, bones, and hides to China, marking a significant development in the country's agricultural export sector. The Ministry of National Food Security and Research (MNFSR) confirmed that a newly established slaughterhouse in Gwadar has commenced operations to meet the rising demand in China for these products, particularly for the traditional Chinese medicine, e-jiao. citeturn0search3

E-jiao is a traditional Chinese medicine preparation widely used in clinical hematic anaemic therapy. citeturn0search6

The National Assembly’s Standing Committee on Food Security, chaired by Committee Chairman Rana Muhammad Hayat, convened, during which officials disclosed that China has inked an accord with Pakistan for the procurement of donkey carcass parts. A Chinese company has begun operations in Gwadar, marking a significant step in this unconventional export sector. citeturn0search6

The country’s donkey population stands at approximately 5.9 million, with China being a major market where donkey meat is used in cuisine and hides for producing e-jiao, a traditional medicinal gelatin. Previously, exports were limited due to delays in finalizing the necessary protocols, which have now been completed. citeturn0search6

The establishment of the slaughterhouse in Gwadar is expected to boost Pakistan's economy by tapping into the lucrative Chinese market for donkey-derived products. This development also highlights the growing importance of international trade agreements in diversifying Pakistan's export portfolio.

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