Islamabad: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has instructed immediate action to foster sustainable employment opportunities in Balochistan’s border districts. During a meeting focused on the Ministry of Commerce’s various projects, Sharif emphasized the need for enhancing rice exports to Malaysia and operationalizing Special Economic Zones with essential services to boost national exports.

According to Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, the Prime Minister recalled an agreement to increase rice exports to Malaysia following Malaysian Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s recent visit to Pakistan. Sharif also directed the establishment of a special cabinet committee to enhance the production of key crops like wheat, cotton, and rice, with recommendations to be drawn from expert opinions.

The meeting included discussions on agricultural export strategies, noting the signing of two Memorandums of Understanding with Russia for agricultural barter trade. Tajikistan’s interest in textile sector collaboration with Pakistan was also highlighted. Sharif commended the Ministry of Commerce for adhering to most directives and advised convening the National Export Development Board next week to promote Pakistani exports.