Punjab agri dept, FPCCI sign deal

KARACHI: Punjab Agriculture Department, Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI), and All Pakistan Fruit and Vegetable Exporters, Importers and Merchants Association (PFVA) have signed a memorandum of understanding for the development of the horticulture sector.

The agreement is for improving the supply chain, export of fruits and vegetables, skill development, research and development (R&D), and marketing the horticulture sector in Pakistan, a statement issued on Tuesday said.

The agreement was mutually signed by Agriculture Department Special Secretary Silwat Saeed, PFVA Secretary General Mohammad Ilyas Khan, and FPCCI Vice President Waheed Ahmed.

The Agriculture Department would prepare a four-year work plan for the province of Punjab to enhance the export of horticulture produces and development of resources while special centres of R&D would be established in the province.

In addition, assistance for skill development in horticulture sector and technical support for research activities would also be rendered.

The PFVA as a representative of horticulture sector through the FPCCI platform would provide extensive support to the Agriculture Department to achieve its targets with the cooperation of national and international organisations.

Mutual cooperation of Horticulture Export Development Company, National and Vocational Training Commission and Punjab Skill Development Board would also provide assistance to improve the skills of workers in this regard.