Ministry of Commerce will work in close coordination with stake holders to treble exports of dates from Sindh

Islamabad, September 17, 2014 (PPI-OT): The Ministry of Commerce will initiate policy interventions and work in close coordination with all the stake holders to treble the exports of dates from Sindh. New regulations and structural changes will be introduced to bring in a quantum jump in the exports of dates from Sindh.

Ministry of National Food Security and Research, Agricultural Department of Sindh and SMEDA will also be taken on board to provide policy input and smooth execution of the projects. This was discussed in a meeting the Minister for Commerce, Engr. Khurram Dastgir Khan held with the High Commissioner of Canada, H.E. Mr. Greg Giokas, Deputy High Commissioner of Australia Mr. Paul Molloy and Agricultural Counselor of US in Pakistan.

The Minister said that the objective of this endeavor is to enhance the exports of dates from Sindh which will also result in increase in rural farm income in date sector. The Minister was of the view that Pakistan can enlarge its market of dates by reducing wastages, adding value to the date products, improving packaging and branding the product.

He apprised the diplomats that the Government has made adequate mechanism in the current budget to provide access to micro finance facility to small and medium-sized farmers. The Ministry of Commerce will also coordinate with the local chambers of commerce and industry and the agricultural unions to seek their proposals and successful implementation of the plan. Mr. Dastgir said that there is a need to create value-chains in the dates producing areas which will benefit the low-income farmers of the region.

The Ministry of Commerce along with the Ministry of National Food Security and Research has introduced Seed and Plant Breeders Rights bill in the National Assembly to bring innovation and provide protection to the new inventions in the field of agriculture. The diplomats ensured the Minister of their continued support in the development of Pakistan and eradicating poverty in the country.

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