Islamabad: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed the immediate implementation of measures to create sustainable employment opportunities in the border districts of Balochistan, while also seeking to enhance Pakistani rice exports to Malaysia.

According to Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, during a meeting in Islamabad regarding projects under the Ministry of Commerce, the Prime Minister recalled an agreement made during Malaysian Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s visit to Pakistan to increase rice exports.

To support national exports, Sharif announced plans to operationalize Special Economic Zones with infrastructure such as hotels, hospitals, and business schools. He also called for the establishment of a special cabinet committee to boost production of major crops like wheat, cotton, sugarcane, rice, and edible oil, with the committee tasked to offer expert-driven recommendations.

The meeting included a briefing on agricultural export strategies, where it was revealed that two Memorandums of Understanding have been signed with Russia for agricultural trade under barter agreements. Additionally, interest from Tajikistan in collaborating with Pakistan’s textile sector was noted.

Prime Minister Sharif also commended the Ministry of Commerce for adhering to most of his directives and proposed a meeting of the National Export Development Board next week to further enhance Pakistan’s exports.