Why China Is Investing Billions in Pakistan’s Donkey Industry

Let’s be honest, you probably didn’t wake up this morning thinking about donkeys. I know I didn’t. For most of us, they’re just animals we see in pictures or maybe on a remote road carrying a heavy load. They’re a symbol of hard work and, well, stubbornness. So, when I first heard about a major international forum focused entirely on the donkey industry, I had to do a double-take. It sounds, for lack of a better word, surreal.

But here’s the funny part: it’s completely real, and it could be a complete game-changer. The China-Pakistan Donkey Industry Development Forum, held in Islamabad, wasn’t some small, quirky event. It was a high-level conference with government officials, business leaders, and academics from both countries. Their mission? To turn this often-overlooked animal into a multi-billion dollar economic engine that could bring prosperity to rural Pakistan. It’s a classic case of seeing an opportunity where others see just a beast of burden.

Why Donkeys? Understanding the Massive Demand

You might be asking, “What exactly is the big deal with donkeys?” It all comes down to a few key things, particularly the massive demand from China. The primary driver is Ejiao, a traditional Chinese medicine made from donkey hides. This gelatinous substance has been used for centuries and is believed to have various health benefits. The problem is that China’s own domestic donkey population has plummeted over the years, creating a massive supply gap.

That’s where Pakistan comes in. With one of the world’s largest donkey populations, Pakistan is uniquely positioned to fill this void. But this isn’t just about exporting hides. The forum highlighted a much broader vision, which includes:

• Donkey Breeding and Genetics: Using advanced science to improve the quality and health of donkeys.
• High-Value By-products: Beyond hides, there’s potential in things like meat (a delicacy in some parts of China) and even milk.
• Modernization of an Ancient Industry: Turning what is often an informal, small-scale practice into a standardized, scalable industry.

Let’s be clear: this isn’t just about a one-way trade. This is about a complete industrial transformation. The collaboration aims to bring Chinese technology, research, and capital to Pakistan, creating a full-fledged, ethical, and sustainable industry from the ground up.

A New Pillar of Economic Partnership

The forum’s opening remarks from officials like Shi Yuanqiang, the Chinese Chargé d’Affaires, made it crystal clear: this isn’t a small side project. It’s being hailed as a “new pillar” of the China-Pakistan economic partnership. Think of it as a new lane on the CPEC superhighway, but for agriculture.

Here’s how they plan to make it work:

• Contract Farming: A major Chinese company, Sangyang Industrial, plans to introduce a contract farming model. This means they’ll work directly with Pakistani farmers, providing them with the resources, technology, and guaranteed market they need to raise donkeys. This is a huge win for rural communities, promising stable income and a path out of poverty.
• Joint Research: The signing of an MoU to establish the “China-Pakistan Joint Laboratory for Donkey Industry Innovation” shows their commitment to the long haul. This lab will focus on everything from improving breeding programs to finding new ways to use donkey by-products, ensuring the industry is not only profitable but also innovative.
• Standardization and Regulation: To avoid exploitation and ensure a high-quality product, both governments are working to create a robust regulatory framework. Pakistan’s Ministry of National Food Security and Research is tightening export rules and cracking down on illegal slaughter and smuggling. Meanwhile, the China Chamber of Commerce in Pakistan has released a “self-regulation declaration,” pledging to respect local laws, culture, and workers’ rights. It’s an important step toward building trust and ensuring the industry is ethical and sustainable.

From Innovation to Prosperity

At the heart of this initiative is a simple idea: leveraging technology and business innovation to create value. Professor Zeng Shenming of China Agricultural University emphasized that the key to success lies in moving beyond traditional methods. We’re talking about data-driven decision-making, advanced breeding techniques, and the digitalization of the supply chain.

Think about it: instead of just a single farmer raising a few animals, this model creates an entire ecosystem. It includes everyone from scientists in the lab to transporters, processors, and marketers. This a complex industrial chain that promises to be more efficient, transparent, and profitable for everyone involved. The focus on “smart breeding” and “sustainable practices” isn’t just jargon; it’s a promise to build an industry that can last for generations, improving the livelihoods of Pakistani farmers along the way.

FAQs: What You Need to Know

Q1: What is Ejiao and why is it so valuable? A: Ejiao is a traditional Chinese medicine made from the gelatin of boiled donkey hides. It is highly valued for its purported health benefits, including improving blood circulation, enhancing immunity, and aiding in sleep. Its high demand in China, coupled with a declining domestic donkey population, has created a lucrative market for donkey products.

Q2: How will this collaboration benefit Pakistani farmers? A: Pakistani farmers will benefit through a contract farming model that provides stable income, technical support, and a guaranteed market for their animals. The professionalization of the industry is also expected to increase the value of donkeys, turning them from simple beasts of burden into a valuable livestock commodity.

Q3: Is this an ethical trade? A: Both countries are working to ensure the trade is ethical and transparent. Pakistan is introducing new regulations to prevent illegal slaughter and smuggling, while the China Chamber of Commerce has pledged to uphold local laws and ethical standards. The goal is to create a regulated, sustainable industry that prioritizes animal welfare and fair labor practices.

A Shared Vision for the Future

The forum concluded with a shared sense of purpose. It’s clear that both countries see this as a symbiotic relationship. For China, it’s a way to secure a stable supply of a highly valued commodity. For Pakistan, it’s a remarkable opportunity to modernize its agricultural sector, create jobs, and bring billions of dollars in revenue to its rural areas.

This isn’t about one country taking from another. It’s about two nations coming together to build something new and mutually beneficial. What might sound like a funny or even strange idea on the surface is, in reality, a powerful example of how strategic cooperation can unlock unexpected opportunities and create a pathway to a more prosperous future. A future, it seems, that is being built on the back of a donkey.