The government of Pakistan has officially lifted the ban on exporting donkey hides to China, paving the way for a major new trade venture. Preparations are now underway for the final inspection of Hengeng Trading Enterprise, a Chinese pharmaceutical company set to operate the country’s first donkey slaughterhouse in Gwadar’s North Free Zone.
China’s General Administration of Customs has already conducted an online inspection to review Hengeng’s compliance with export regulations. Once approved, the company will begin full operations.
According to a Balochistan government official, the federal government has recently amended the Export Policy Order to permit the export of donkey hides. Only firms registered and operating in the designated Gwadar Free Zone North will be permitted to export these products.
The official added that export protocols for donkey skins and meat were finalized in July 2024, following months of negotiation between the two countries.
The $50 million slaughterhouse project, led by Hengeng Trading Enterprise, has also been certified by Pakistan Animal Quarantine for import and export standards. It is now awaiting final operational clearance before production begins.
An official from the Ministry for Maritime Affairs confirmed that donkeys reared on farms across Punjab will be transported to the Gwadar facility. Their meat and hides will be processed under international quality and hygiene standards before being shipped to China.
The facility is expected to introduce advanced slaughter and cold-chain technology, ensuring disease-free meat and better product preservation.
According to official data, Pakistan’s donkey population has risen to 5.9 million in the fiscal year 2023–24 — a steady increase that aligns with the government’s goal to build a sustainable export market for donkey-derived products.
