January 23, 2003	Thursday	Ziqa’ad 19, 1423

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ISLAMABAD, Jan 22: The agriculture system, which is mainstay of our economy needs to be strengthened to meet the WTO challenges coming ahead.

Dr Waqar Malik, Member In charge Social Science Division PARC, said this while speaking at a two-day seminar on “WTO agreement on agriculture and its implications for Pakistan’s agriculture” at Zari Tariqiati Bank Ltd. Staff College here.

Dr Waqar said the developing countries had given ten years under this agreement to take necessary measures in agriculture sector to meet the requirements, so both the government and the private sector needed to be alert to the problems of the agreement.

He said the provisions of this agreement would be applicable from 1st January 2005 when our market would be open to all. He urged all stakeholders of agriculture sector to pay proper attention to the issue and do their best to produce goods compatible at the international market in respect of their quality and price.

The speakers including Shafi Niaz, Dr Saeed Wali Mohammad Zaki also spoke on the issue and stressed the need for understanding the gravity of the problems and taking timely measures to face the WTO challenges.