Gulf states: PM Shehbaz for plan to export surplus food items

LAHORE: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Sunday directed authorities to ensure complete monitoring of supply and demand of food items to safeguard national food requirements.

Chairing a meeting to review the country’s food situation and the export of surplus food items in light of the changing regional situation, the prime minister was briefed that Pakistan currently had sufficient stocks of food commodities and there was no shortage of any essential item in the country.

The prime minister said disruptions in global supply chains had created increased opportunities for Pakistani products in regional markets. He directed that special attention should be given to meeting the food requirements of Gulf countries while ensuring their food security.

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PM Shehbaz Sharif instructed the relevant authorities to formulate a comprehensive strategy for exporting surplus food items to Gulf countries without affecting domestic food needs. He also emphasized that high quality standards must be ensured in the export of food products to friendly Gulf states.

The prime minister directed the Pakistan National Shipping Corporation to take necessary steps to facilitate the export of food items to Gulf countries through sea routes.

The meeting was informed about the current stocks and production of food items in the country. Officials said Pakistan’s agricultural sector, including crops, meat, poultry, dairy and seafood, has significant export potential. The prime minister directed the formation of a committee to review the situation on a daily basis. He also instructed Pakistan’s ambassadors and trade officers posted in Gulf countries to remain active in promoting exports.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Federal Ministers Jam Kamal Khan, Rana Tanveer Hussain and Ahsan Iqbal, Special Assistant Haroon Akhtar, senior officials, provincial chief secretaries and representatives of relevant private associations attended the meeting.