Pakistan has finalized protocols to export donkey meat to China, aiming to boost its exports and earn much-needed foreign exchange.
The development comes after the General Administration of Customs of China granted access to Pakistani boiled beef to the Chinese market.
The move is expected to bring significant economic benefits to Pakistan, which has the world’s third-largest population of donkeys.
The donkey meat export is part of a larger initiative to enhance meat exports to China. Pakistan’s livestock department has announced plans to develop donkey farms, with foreign companies ready to invest $3 billion in commercial farming.
The government plans to export 80,000 donkeys to China in the first three years, with the potential to earn millions of dollars annually.
The demand for donkey meat and hide is high in China, particularly for traditional Chinese medicines. However, the move has raised concerns over the welfare of donkeys and the potential impact on Pakistan’s donkey population.
The government has assured that the export of donkeys will be done in a controlled and regulated manner to prevent any adverse effects on the local donkey population.
