ISLAMABAD, Oct 12: The Export Promotion Bureau will be briefing President Pervez Musharraf on October 18 on the possible negative impact on country’s exports as result of US-led attacks on Afghanistan.

This was stated by EPB vice-chairman Ijaz Ahmed Qureshi in a meeting with major exporters, industrialists and traders at the Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry here on Friday.

He said that during the briefing President Musharraf would be informed about the imminent impact of the war on the country’s exports in case it was prolonged.

“We would tell the President that some incentives to exporters can boost the country exports,” he remarked.

The EPB vice-chairman said that image of country’s goods quality was increasing in the world markets.

“We have $9 billion exports and it is very hopeful that we shall increase the exports to $15 billion very soon”, he said, adding wheat, rice, fruits, vegetables, leather, home items and textile goods have good scope in the world.

“We are making a policy that we should have continued our exports during whole year and if we are lacking for any product inside the country we will not compromise on exports even in this situation and will import goods for country’s need, but will not stop our exports,” he said.

He briefed the meeting that Pakistan took part in 50 exports exhibitions in whole while sent 40 delegations of exporters and traders to other countries.

“We are trying to send some more delegations to other countries, especially in Africa. Because this region is constantly ignored by other countries and it has good scope for Pakistani products,” he remarked.

He directed the Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry to chose some good exporters and industrialist to send some delegation abroad.

Mr Ijaz Ahmed told the meeting that EPB was planning to reopen display centres abroad. “We are planning to involve private sector in display centres and give them incentives for this purpose. While we have made few governing boards those will supervise the exports and these boards will comprises both government and private sectors,” he said.

ICCI president Munawwar Mughal informed the meeting that EPB should encourage the new exporters, those who wish to export high standard goods abroad. The exporters and investors were facing a lot of problems due to weak economy, he said.