Prime Minister's Advisor on Industries and Production, Mian Manzoor Wattoo said on Monday that prices of Di-Ammonium Phosphates (DAP), fertiliser will rise in the international market to Rs 5000 per bag. He was addressing a press conference after his recent visit to Morocco where he led an official delegation at the first session of the Joint Ministerial Commission (JMC).
He said the Moroccan side has agreed to consider Pakistan's request to provide 50,000 tons of DAP fertiliser on fast track basis before Rabi season. He said the government was already providing Rs 1000 subsidy per bag on DAP fertiliser which has made the commodity easily available to farmers at reasonable prices.
He, however, said that the deal would be finalised after both sides agree on the price for which negotiations are under way. Wattoo, who discussed trade issues with Moroccan leaders and officials, also expressed the hope that a Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) between both the countries would be signed in October after which Pakistan's exports would improve.
He said both sides would start the process for a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) very soon after signing PTA. Both countries have also decided that the students exchange programme would be revitalised. Mutual co-operation in the fields of science and technology, culture, tourism, customs, banking, financial services, telecommunication, information & broadcasting and postal services was also agreed upon.
Wattoo also constituted a two-member committee comprising Additional Secretary Economic Affairs Division (EAD) and Additional Secretary Ministry of Industries and Production to monitor progress on the agreements between the two countries.
In reply to another question regarding withdrawal of subsidy on essential items being sold at Utility Stores Corporation outlets, he said the government would not withdraw subsidy on flour, edible oil/ghee and pulses.
On a question Wattoo denied that there was a reported withdrawal of subsidy on flour and sugar this, saying he would personally visit utility stores to check prices and availability of essential items and would take action against USC officials if they are involved in the sale of substandard goods.