Pakistan has officially approved the export of donkey meat to China following a stern warning from a Chinese firm. The decision came after the Prime Minister’s Office was forced to intervene when the company threatened to shut down its operations. This move is being viewed as a strategic step taken under significant economic and diplomatic pressure, given that China remains Pakistan's primary trading partner.
Bureaucratic Delays in Gwadar and Company Warning
The dispute centers around the 'Hangeng Trade Company,' which operates in the port city of Gwadar. As a central hub for China-backed projects, Gwadar is critical to bilateral trade, yet export approvals had been facing months of delays. These bureaucratic hurdles raised concerns regarding the ease of doing business for foreign-funded projects in Pakistan. The Chinese firm’s threat to cease operations prompted an immediate response from Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s administration to resolve the deadlock.
PM Shehbaz Sharif’s Upcoming Visit to China
The timing of this approval is significant, as it coincides with discussions regarding Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s scheduled visit to China later this month to attend an investment forum. Hangeng Trade Company runs a specialized slaughterhouse and exports both donkey meat and hides to China, while resolving this issue was seen as a priority to maintain a positive atmosphere ahead of the high-level diplomatic visit.
Usage of Donkey Meat in China and Economic Impact
In China, donkey meat and hides are highly valued for their use in traditional medicine. These products are commonly processed into remedies sold for blood enrichment and treating skin-related ailments. For Pakistan, this trade represents a substantial source of foreign revenue, helping to stabilize its economy through niche exports.
With the export hurdles now cleared, the flow of donkey meat and hides to China is expected to resume, while this trade remains a vital component of Pakistan's export portfolio, contributing an estimated $300 million annually to the national exchequer while strengthening commercial ties with its neighboring ally.