Islamabad (TDI): The China-Pakistan Donkey Industry Development Forum brought together hundreds of government officials, scholars, and enterprise representatives from both countries.
The event was co-hosted by the China Chamber of Commerce in Pakistan and Sangyang Industrial (Beijing) Group Co., Ltd., with guidance from the Embassy of China and Pakistan’s Ministry of National Food Security & Research.
Participants explored new frontiers in the donkey industry, aiming to turn the humble animal into a driver of rural development and agricultural modernization.
In their opening remarks, senior officials including Shi Yuanqiang, China’s Chargé d’Affaires in Pakistan, and Amir Mohyuddin, Secretary of the Pakistani Ministry of National Food Security, emphasized the vast potential of the donkey industry as a niche sector for bilateral cooperation.
Shi highlighted that the industry is “a new entry point for deepening economic cooperation between China and Pakistan” and could contribute significantly to rural revitalization and industrial modernization.
The forum featured expert-led sessions on donkey breeding techniques, genetic resource conservation, digital transformation, and high-value by-product utilization, with Chinese delegates showcasing their country’s mature donkey industry and advanced technological capabilities.
Pakistan, still in the early stages of developing this sector, stands to benefit from Chinese expertise and investment.
A key highlight of the forum was the signing of multiple cooperation agreements, including the establishment of a China-Pakistan Joint Laboratory for Donkey Industry Innovation, and partnerships between Chinese firms and Pakistani research institutions.
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These agreements aim to build an export-oriented, sustainable, and regulated industry in Pakistan, particularly following last October’s protocol allowing the export of donkey products to China.
To ensure ethical and sustainable development, both countries issued policy declarations. Pakistan’s Food Security Ministry announced plans for export regulations and measures against illegal slaughter.
The China Chamber of Commerce in Pakistan, in turn, unveiled a Self-Regulation Declaration, pledging to respect local cultures, ensure fair trade, and promote employee welfare.
Industry leaders, such as Wen Ming, CEO of Sangyang Industrial, outlined a contract farming model to empower Pakistani farmers and generate employment.
Scholars like Professor Zeng Shenming from China Agricultural University stressed the role of technological innovation in making the industry globally competitive.
With growing Chinese demand for donkey-based products and Pakistan’s agricultural resources, this unusual yet strategic partnership can unlock billions in rural economic potential.
Sohail Majeed
Sohail Majeed is a Special Correspondent at The Diplomatic Insight. He has twelve plus years of experience in journalism & reporting. He covers International Affairs, Diplomacy, UN, Sports, Climate Change, Economy, Technology, and Health.
