The Patriot

News: Horticulture export to touch $ I b by 2012
Name of the Newspaper: The Patriot
Date of publication:Friday, 10 August, 2007

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has set a target to earn one billion dollars through horticulture exports by 2012. The current exports Stand at $150 million. This was stated by Javed Malik Additional Secretary, Ministry of Finance while chairing a meeting of sub-committee on the Task Force on Finance and Competitiveness of the horticulture sector here on Thursday. . He briefed the committee's ‘‘members about the role the sub-committee in improving the 'competitiveness of horticulture 'sector. "We have to look into entire supply and value chain of the horticulture sector and must concentrate on innovative financial tools keeping in view great potential of the sector". Explaining the role and objectives of the sub-committee, he said that it was set up to ensure and attain competitiveness level in the horticulture sector and facilitate those who want to invest in the sector. In addition, the Sub committee will pay a special attention on export, finance and insurance issues of the sector. Javed Malik, further briefed the members about the new methods used in several emerging market economies to promote financing and competitiveness of the sectors. Speaking on the occasion, senior advisor to the Competitiveness Support Fund informed the members that the objective of the Sub-Committee is to provide the Task Force for Horticulture Finance and Competitiveness with recommendations for a well planned management and clear financial structure. The meeting was attended by the representatives of the various relevant ministries, concerned provincial departments and the banking sector and other financial institutions.-APP