Caretaker Government and COAS Collaborating to Attract Joint-Venture Investments for Economic Enhancement – President
Published on: October 29, 2023.
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President Dr Arif Alvi, along with Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) General Asim Munir, is determined to attract foreign investment through joint-ventures in order to boost Pakistan’s economy. During his speech at the 15th Rice Exporters Association of Pakistan (REAP)’s Recognition Ceremony, President Alvi emphasized the crucial role of decision-making in achieving economic stability. He highlighted the potential of the business community to strengthen Pakistan’s economy and commended REAP for their remarkable journey from $300 million to $3 billion in exports. President Alvi suggested that REAP members explore joint-ventures and focus on value-added rice products. He also proposed the idea of organizing a ‘Biryani Festival’ and extended an invitation to REAP to hold the festival at the President House.
President Alvi stressed the need to revive rice research institutions in order to capture the international market. In response to REAP’s demand, he expressed support for the establishment of market-oriented institutions in collaboration with the government. The President also emphasized the importance of empowering women through employment and their participation in the economy. He highlighted the need to provide quality education to children to tackle the challenges facing the country. Additionally, President Alvi condemned the brutality in Gaza during his speech.
Sindh Governor Mohammed Kamran Khan Tessori, addressing the ceremony, acknowledged rice as the country’s second largest export. He expressed his disappointment that rice hadn’t been recognized as an industry yet. Tessori stated that the COAS was actively combating both economic and border terrorism, thus reducing the value of the dollar. He also called for global support for Palestinians and the condemnation of Israeli brutality.
REAP Chairman Chela Ram Kewlani emphasized the significant contribution of REAP to Pakistan’s economy, describing Pakistani rice as a renowned brand globally. With 9 million tons of rice crops, Pakistan exports rice to Europe, the Middle East, Russia, and other parts of the world. Kewlani requested the President to declare rice as an industry and highlighted the issue of Minimum Export Price (MEP), which restricts rice exports. He advocated for the establishment of a Rice Research Institution to further enhance opportunities and facilitate export growth.
To conclude the ceremony, awards and trophies were distributed to the top rice exporters by President Alvi and Sindh Governor Tessori.
Source: [Nation] (https://www.nation.com.pk)
