Regulatory delays almost derail a major agriculture export project in the Gwadar Free Zone.
Key Takeaways:
• Government intervention cleared a months-long export deadlock in mere hours after a Chinese firm threatened to exit the Gwadar Free Zone.
• M/s Hangeng Trade Company warned other Chinese investors to evaluate policy execution gaps in Pakistan before making any final decisions.
• The Prime Minister’s Office fast-tracked the cabinet approval to prevent the issue from overshadowing an upcoming business forum in Beijing.
Karachi, Pakistan – A high-stakes diplomatic and economic crisis was narrowly averted this weekend after the Prime Minister’s Office intervened to approve donkey meat exports to China. The decision came within hours of a shocking announcement by M/s Hangeng Trade Company, which had threatened to shutter its operations in the Gwadar North Free Zone due to months of “inordinate delays” and “policy execution gaps.” The company’s warning, issued just ahead of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s scheduled visit to Beijing, urged future investors to carefully assess Pakistan’s institutional uncertainties before committing capital.
The matter could have overshadowed Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s visit to Beijing later this month, including a business-to-business conference.
While government officials pointed to the company’s failure to meet specific breeding standards, the sudden movement of a file previously stuck across multiple ministries highlights the persistent friction between Pakistan’s investment aspirations and its bureaucratic realities.
Disclaimer
This report is for informational purposes and does not necessarily reflect the views of ‘Money Matters Pakistan’. We welcome any corrections or alternative viewpoints from our readers to ensure a balanced perspective.
