Pak-Afghan ties : Enhancement of agricultural trade urged

American trainers brought for training programme.

FAISALABAD:

Agriculturists said that it is the need of the hour to boost agriculture trade between Pakistan and Afghanistan as well as to enhance cooperation in the area of food security to cater to the needs of ever-growing population and curb unemployment.

Speaking at a ceremonial session of a two-week training programme “Support of Capacity Development for Agriculture Trade In Afghanistan and Pakistan” at the University of Agriculture Faisalabad (UAF), the participants said that both countries has still have great potential that must be realised.

The event was organised by the UAF and jointly sponsored by Trade Corridor working Group of Afghanistan, Pakistan and United States.

Speaking to the participants, UAF Vice Chancellor Dr Iqrar Ahmed Khan said that while there is considerable trade between Afghanistan and Pakistan, it is asymmetrical.

He said that as many as 35 participants hailing from four corners of Pakistan and Afghanistan are being trained in the programme by American about identification of current trade impediments that affect the ability to deliver high quality food at sale points in both countries among other issues, water quality, worker hygiene and fertiliser use and developing a sanitation programme and food safety hazards.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 20^th, 2011.