Islamabad/Beijing: Pakistan has exported its first-ever commercial shipment of donkey meat to China, with the consignment dispatched from the Gwadar Free Zone under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) framework.
Pakistani authorities have described the development as a “historic milestone”, marking the first food product manufactured in the Gwadar Free Zone to enter the Chinese market.
First Shipment Clears Chinese Customs
The shipment, consisting of frozen boneless donkey meat, successfully cleared customs at Tianjin Port in China, paving the way for future exports under the new trade arrangement.
Officials say the export represents a new avenue for agricultural and livestock trade between Pakistan and China and reflects growing economic cooperation under CPEC.
Pakistan Hails Milestone
Pakistan has presented the export as a significant achievement, highlighting the role of the Gwadar Free Zone in expanding trade and attracting investment under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
The shipment is also being projected as a step toward diversifying Pakistan’s export basket and increasing non-traditional exports to China.
Economic Challenges Persist
The announcement comes as Pakistan continues to face serious economic headwinds, including:
- High inflation.
- Mounting external debt.
- Persistent fiscal pressures.
- Foreign exchange shortages.
- Slow economic growth.
Analysts note that while the shipment is symbolically important as a new export category, its overall economic impact is likely to depend on the scale and sustainability of future exports.
Growing China-Pakistan Trade
China remains Pakistan’s largest trading partner and one of its biggest investors through the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), which includes investments in infrastructure, energy, ports and industrial development.
Officials from both countries have expressed optimism that new export sectors, including livestock products, could further strengthen bilateral trade in the coming years.