The China-Pakistan Donkey Industry Development Forum opened in Islamabad on Thursday, bringing together hundreds of industry experts, scholars, and government officials from both countries.
The forum, co-hosted by the China Chamber of Commerce in Pakistan and Sangyang Industrial (Beijing) Group Co., Ltd., and supported by the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China and Pakistan’s Ministry of National Food Security and Research, focused on exploring innovative pathways for the development of the donkey industry.
The event, themed “Creating Opportunities Together, Winning the Future Together,” aimed to promote synergies across the entire industry chain, establish industry benchmarks, and advance the sector towards standardization and scalability.
Keynote addresses were delivered by Mr. Amir Mohyuddin, Secretary of Pakistan’s Ministry of National Food Security and Research, and Mr. Shi Yuanqiang, Chargé d’Affaires of the Chinese Embassy in Pakistan, alongside other distinguished speakers.
The forum featured thematic sessions on core issues such as the conservation of donkey genetic resources, healthy breeding techniques, utilization of donkey by-products, digital transformation of the industry, and strategies for brand building and marketing. Experts and scholars shared practical insights and solutions to address industry challenges, emphasizing the importance of innovation for improving efficiency and quality.
Mr. Shi Yuanqiang expressed the significance of cooperation in the donkey industry, noting its role in agricultural diversification and economic cooperation between China and Pakistan. He highlighted that the sector would inject vitality into agricultural modernization and rural revitalization in both countries.
To guide the industry’s growth, the Ministry of National Food Security & Research Pakistan introduced measures to develop export agreements and regulatory frameworks, as well as initiatives to combat illegal slaughter and smuggling of donkey products. The China Chamber of Commerce in Pakistan also released a Donkey Industry Self-Regulation Declaration, reaffirming its commitment to sustainable practices, fair trade, and respecting local cultures.
Several agreements were signed at the forum, including a Letter of Intent between Pakistan Agricultural Research Council (PARC) and Sangyang Industrial, and memorandums of understanding with institutions such as Cholistan University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences. These agreements aim to foster practical cooperation and innovation in the donkey industry.
Mr. Wen Ming, CEO of Sangyang Industrial, outlined the company’s plans to introduce a contract farming model for the development of the donkey industry in Pakistan, emphasizing the role of joint efforts to create a sustainable and high-quality industry. Professor Zeng Shenming from China Agricultural University highlighted the importance of technological innovation in breed selection, nutritional standards, and smart management to drive sustainable growth.
The forum concluded with a commitment from all participants to strengthen cooperation, share knowledge, and promote technological innovation in the donkey industry. These efforts are expected to contribute to rural economic prosperity, improve farmers’ incomes, and meet the growing needs for a better quality of life in both countries.
