Ministry of Commerce and Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) will speed up their activities for facilitating the development and export of value added products in the agro food sector. This was stated by Federal Secretary Commerce Mr Zafar Mahmood while chairing a meeting with leading exporters in TDAP Karachi to develop a strategic roadmap for the agro food sector.
TDAP Chief Executive Mr. Tariq Puri briefed the participants about the role of MoC and TDAP, as a catalyst to encourage the export of value added agricultural products and informed that there is much emphasis on value addition. In order to maximise gains from the export of these products, exporters and growers should focus on projects which would lead towards value addition rather than exporting raw materials.
Secretary Commerce added that Commerce Ministry has taken up the matter with State Bank and Zarai Tarqiati Bank (ZTBL) for provision of easy credit lines to farmers and exporters. In order to achieve the objective, they will also assist them in identifying and establishing much needed projects in the agro food sector. Secretary Commerce has also advised TDAP to hold quarterly meetings with SBP along with relevant stakeholders for reviewing the current policies pertaining to provision of credit for agricultural sector and to review the disbursement and utilisation of agricultural loans. Furthermore, a committee may also be formed wherein representatives of commercial banks should also be present to address issues. Secretary Commerce also directed that National Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (NAPHIS) will conduct the awareness seminars in collaboration with TDAP for the benefit of exporters to know the issues related to SPS requirements and how to address those requirements.
Secretary Commerce assured that MoC and TDAP will continue to facilitate the exporters and growers in resolving all their issues pertaining to various other agencies and provincial governments. The meeting was attended by leading exporters from poultry, rice, fruits and vegetables, fisheries, processed meat and officials of SBP, ZTBL, PNAC, Plant Protection Department, PHDEC, PSQCA, NAPHIS, TDAP and Commerce Ministry.