PM inaugurates Seed Potato Production Complex in federal capital

Islamabad: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has inaugurated the Seed Potato Production and Processing Complex for the production of potato seed through modern method of aeroponics.

Addressing the inaugural ceremony at the National Agricultural Research Centre, Islamabad today, he expressed the confidence that this initiative will help produce high-quality potato seed. He said this will further contribute to saving foreign exchange reserves being spent on the import of the potato seed.

The Prime Minister said agriculture is the backbone of the country's economy as sixty-five per cent population of Pakistan is linked with farming. He said Pakistan's farmers is very hard-working and energetic and he can do miracles if he is provided with quality seed, fertilizer and genuine pesticides at affordable prices.

Shehbaz Sharif stressed the need to manufacture combine harvesters and other farm machinery in the country instead of relying on imported equipment. He further stressed enhancing yield in other crops like cooking oil seeds, sugar and cotton. He said Pakistan imports cooking oil worth 4.5 billion dollars annually and this amount can be saved by locally producing the commodity.

The Prime Minister also expressed his deep gratitude to the Republic of Korea for its cooperation in the Seed Potato Production and Processing Plant.

On the direction of the Deputy Prime Minister, Ambassador Mohammad Sadiq Khan paid a three-day visit to Kabul from Friday last.

During the visit, he called on Afghanistan's Acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi. During the meeting, both sides exchanged views on all issues of mutual concern, including peace and security, trade and economic cooperation, as well as people-to-people contacts.

The Special Representative reaffirmed Pakistan's commitment to continued engagement and mutually beneficial ties with Afghanistan, and underscored the importance of addressing all issues of concern, particularly security, to further consolidate bilateral ties. Both sides agreed to enhance high-level engagement and dialogue to strengthen bilateral cooperation.

The two sides also reinforced the commitment to a mutually beneficial bilateral relationship, with a view to achieving lasting regional peace and stability.

The Special Representative also met with the Acting Commerce Minister of Afghanistan Nooruddin Azizi. The two sides discussed bilateral trade and economic relations, as well as cooperation in the areas of transit and connectivity.

Mohammad Sadiq Khan reaffirmed Pakistan's commitment to reinforcing mutually beneficial ties with Afghanistan. The two sides agreed to harness the full potential of regional trade and connectivity for the mutual benefit of both countries.

Ishaq Dar expressed satisfaction at the discussions held with the Afghan side and issued directions to further consolidate bilateral ties, including through high-level engagement and enhancement of trade and transit cooperation.