31 July 2004	Saturday	13 Jamadi-us-Saani 1425

QUETTA, July 30: Balochistan Governor Owais Ahmed Ghani has said that the present government is taking concrete steps to promote trade and encourage import and export from the country.

Talking to a delegation of the Pakistan Trades Alliance Balochistan here on Friday, the governor said the abolition of checkpoints of customs department was a major step in this regard.

He urged the traders to reciprocate and help the government increase revenue to make the process successful. The governor said that steps were also being taken to increase trade with Afghanistan, Iran and central Asian states.

"Afghanistan and Iran have been invited to establish their stalls in the Sibi festival to be held next year to introduce their manufactures and works for promoting trade with Pakistan," Mr Ghani added.

The governor said the government was introducing sprinkle system of irrigation to overcome water crisis and enhance agriculture production.

Mr Ghani urged the traders and businessmen to take advantage of the opportunity and make investment in this sector, adding that one multinational company had established its centre in Quetta and started work. He assured the delegation of taking steps for resolution of their problems.