Commerce Minister Humayun Akhtar Khan on Thursday has advised the Sindh government to promote parboiled Irri-6 rice in the province for export purposes.
He was speaking at a briefing for Sindh province about the forthcoming National Export Policy at Sindh Secretariat.
Sindh Governor Dr Ishratul Ibad Khan, Chief Minister Arbab Ghulam Rahim, members of Sindh cabinet, Chairman, Export Promotion Bureau Tariq Ikram, Chief Secretary Aslam Sanjarani, Commerce Secretary Syed Tasneem Noorani and senior officials were also present on the occasion.
Commerce minister said that the federal government wanted the input from Sindh government in export policy, which will be announced on July 22 and added that federal government would provide all possible help in this regard.
He said that par boiled rice was very popular in Saudi Arabia and other countries and Pakistan can earn a valuable foreign exchange from its export.
He said that commerce ministry was trying to promote export of par boiled rice from Pakistan and for this purpose the duty on the import of par boiled plant has been reduced.
He pointed out that Irri-6 was low price rice and its value can be increased manifold by converting it into par boiled rice. "You can talk to the growers as well as rice exporters in Sindh to convince them to produce par boiled rice. You also tell us how we can support you in this regard", Humayun Akhtar said.
The meeting was told that 85 percent of Irri-6 is produced in Sindh.
Commerce minister also suggested Sindh to prepare a "policy document" with the help of EPB and Board of Investment for development of granite stone in Thar area so that its quarrying on modern lines and export should be promoted.
He was of the view that granite should be excavated in a proper way through modern techniques to reduce damage and add value. He also suggested to award lease for mining purpose through bidding so that experts and technically sound parties should undertake quarrying.
On this occasion, Sindh Chief Minister said that China clay was also available in abundance in Thar area.
Commerce minister urged Sindh government to provide 50 acres of land for establishing an agro-processing zone in Mirpurkhas for export purposes.
He said that this zone will be established on public-private partnership and a joint stock company will be set up for this purpose for running this zone on independent basis.
He said that private sector will be invited to set up grading and processing plants, cold storage and refrigerated vehicles for fruits and vegetables export.