May 9, 2003	Friday	Rabi-ul-Awwal 6, 1424

ISLAMABAD, May 8: Pakistan Vanaspati Manufacturers Association (PVMA) has requested the government to allow export of vegetable ghee and cooking oil to Afghanistan via land route from manufacturing bonds.

This suggestion, being a part of PVMA proposals for the next trade policy, has been submitted to the Ministry of Commerce for consideration.

The ministry, through a notification (SRO 31 of January 17, 2002) had banned export of vegetable ghee and cooking oil, manufactured in manufacturing bonds, to Afghanistan.

Speaking at a news conference, PVMA Chairman Shaikh Abdul Razzaque said that the ban is a clear discrimination and an irritant for smooth export of the product to Afghanistan.

He requested the ministry to introduce amendments in the said SRO to make possible the export of vegetable ghee and cooking oil, manufactured in manufacturing bonds, to Afghanistan.