Islamabad: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed immediate measures to create sustainable employment opportunities in the border districts of Balochistan. Chairing a meeting regarding the progress of various projects under the Ministry of Commerce, he also instructed steps to further increase the export of Pakistani rice to Malaysia.

According to Radio Pakistan, the Prime Minister recalled that it was agreed to increase the export of Pakistani rice to Malaysia during the recent visit of Malaysian Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim to Pakistan. He emphasized that Special Economic Zones will be developed with essential services like hotels, hospitals, and business schools to boost national exports.

The Prime Minister directed the formation of a special cabinet committee aimed at increasing the production of major crops such as wheat, cotton, sugarcane, rice, and edible oil. This committee is expected to present recommendations, based on expert opinions, to enhance the production of these crops.

Du
ring the meeting, the Prime Minister was briefed on various measures to increase agricultural exports. It was revealed that two Memorandums of Understanding have been signed with Russia for the trade of agricultural commodities under a barter system. Additionally, it was informed that Tajikistan has shown interest in collaborating with Pakistan in the textile sector.

Shehbaz Sharif expressed his appreciation towards the Ministry of Commerce for complying with most of his directives and advised convening a meeting of the National Export Development Board next week to discuss strategies for increasing Pakistani exports.