Cpec: FPCCI calls for including agriculture

KARACHI: The Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FPCCI) proposed that the agriculture sector be included in the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor. FPCCI Regional Standing Committee, Chairman Ahmad Jawad while pointing out an absence of the government strategy for production and export of crops oriented towards China and Central Asian countries, emphasised on preparing a long-term plan. Kinnow, Dates, mangoes, guavas, bananas, green chillies, tomatoes and cauliflower, among other fruits and vegetables, have good potential in these countries. He said Pakistan missed the GDP growth target of 5.5% last year mainly due to poor performance of the agriculture sector. “The CPEC offers a unique opportunity to fix our persistent problems in the infrastructure and energy sector and perhaps the agriculture sector as well. Attaining food security remains a big challenge for the government and adding the sector to the list of CPEC related projects would prioritise it and give it the attention it requires.”

Published in The Express Tribune, August 21^st, 2016.

Like Business on Facebook, follow @TribuneBiz on Twitter to stay informed and join in the conversation.