Pakistan has approved the export of donkey meat and hides to China, ending months of regulatory delays that had pushed a Chinese-linked company in Gwadar to warn of a possible shutdown.

The decision came after Hangeng Trade Company, which operates a slaughterhouse in Gwadar under China-backed investment frameworks, raised concerns over stalled export clearances. The firm had cited “non-market factors” and bureaucratic hurdles as key obstacles, warning that continued delays could force it to halt operations and lay off workers.

According to officials, the matter was escalated to the Prime Minister’s Office, prompting a swift review. Within days, the federal cabinet granted approval for exports, and the Animal Quarantine Department issued the required permits.

Industry sources estimate that Pakistan exports around 216,000 donkeys annually, mainly to China, where donkey-derived products are used in traditional medicine and skincare. The trade is valued at approximately $300 million each year.

In a statement, Hangeng Trade Company expressed regret over the disruptions, highlighting “policy execution gaps and institutional uncertainties.” The company also warned it could no longer guarantee stable employment if such issues persist.

The development highlights ongoing challenges in balancing foreign investment facilitation with regulatory efficiency, particularly in key projects linked to Gwadar. While exports have now resumed, the episode raises broader concerns about governance and investor confidence in Pakistan’s trade and industrial sectors.