27 January 2004	Tuesday	04 Zilhaj 1424

ISLAMABAD, Jan 26: The Asian Development Bank (ADB) would provide technical assistance to Pakistan in the area of horticulture and poultry development aimed at increasing the export of these commodities.

This was stated by a team of two British experts led by David Parsons and Dr Maqsood Ahmed of the consulting firm of SEBCON in a meeting with the President of Islamabad Chamber of Commerce & Industry (ICCI), Zubair Ahmed Malik here on Monday.

The ADB has provided Pakistan $100 million to support technical assistance for agri-business development. According to a statement of the Chamber, the visiting experts indicated that the two areas identified as horticulture and poultry had considerable potential for export. They further said a thorough study of the activities and problems involved would be undertaken and a report would be submitted in two months time.

President of the ICCI, Mr. Malik pointed out to the visiting team of experts that the areas of horticulture and poultry identified by them for technical assistance were significantly important for Pakistan's economy.