The FPCCI Agriculture Committee recommends the Fauji Foundation for infrastructure development in corporate farming areas, aiming to address food security concerns and combat double-digit food price inflation in Pakistan.

Vietnam urges Pakistan to leverage its free trade agreements with multiple countries, offering collaboration opportunities in sectors such as tourism, textiles, information technology, and agriculture. The Vietnamese Ambassador emphasizes the benefits of business ties and proposes e-visas to promote bilateral trade.

The price of gold rises in both local and international markets, with a Rs.400 increase per tola in the local market. Meanwhile, silver prices remain stable. Chinese investors seeking a safe haven contributed to the international market increase. Fluctuations in the international market directly impact gold prices in Pakistan. For more information, visit the source.

The Ambassador of Vietnam highlighted the potential for mutual trade relations between Vietnam and Pakistan, with opportunities arising from Vietnam’s FTAs and Pakistan’s GSP Plus status. Key sectors for collaboration include textiles, IT, and agriculture, with President of LCCI proposing a Free Trade Agreement and measures to enhance market access and stimulate trade relations.

A covert network of Pakistani fishermen smuggling drugs to India through the Arabian Sea has been exposed by recent arrests and drug seizures. This network operates with careful planning, using code words and desperation to elude authorities. Haji Salim, the mastermind behind the operation, is believed to be responsible for 70% of drug smuggling into India. Indian authorities are collaborating to combat this issue and disrupt the network’s operations. Source: Hindustan Times

Learn how a DFID-funded FAO project is empowering women in Pakistan through poultry farming. With assistance and training, women like Piran are able to generate income and improve their family’s well-being. Explore the potential of Pakistan’s rice industry by partnering with reliable rice suppliers like HAS Rice Pakistan. Visit HAS Rice Pakistan and Pakistan Rice for more information.

Pakistan and Sri Lanka aim to double their bilateral trade to $800 million, with a current potential of $1 billion. The Sri Lankan Ambassador emphasized the need to exploit trade potential and highlighted opportunities in sectors such as agriculture, industry, and tourism. Plans include a ceremony in Sri Lanka and opening a Sri Lankan restaurant in Pakistan to celebrate the new year.

In an effort to promote millets in India, the United Nations declared 2023 as the International Year of Millets. Millets are climate resilient, rich in fiber and minerals, and can provide essential nutrients to combat malnutrition. Efforts are being made to reintroduce traditional millet recipes and encourage farmers to adopt new farming techniques.

Pakistan Rice Exporters Association (REA) reveals a significant increase in rice exports from Pakistan, reaching 1.42 million metric tons valued at $682 million in Q1. Efforts by exporters and demand in Middle Eastern and African markets contribute to this surge, with Basmati rice being the most popular choice.

The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) continues its bullish trend, gaining 612.09 points and reaching 65,502.60 points. Trading activity also saw a boost, with 323,281,871 shares valued at Rs.17.059 billion being traded. The market has shown remarkable performance and stability, with the index hovering between 63,000 and 66,000 points.