29 September 2004	Wednesday	13 Shaban 1425

ISLAMABAD, Sept 28: Minister for Industries and Production Jahangir Khan Tareen has emphasized that Pakistan Steel Mills should be internationally competitive and this should be reflected appropriately in its vision and objectives.

The minister was presiding over a meeting convened to review the performance of the steel mills here on Tuesday. According to the press release, the minister asked Pakistan Steel to explore iron ore deposits in Chiniote and utilize it in the mills. He also stressed mobilization of companies interested in investing in this sector.

Mr Tareen emphasized the need for quality and upgradation of technical training in Pakistan Steel and assured full cooperation and assistance in this regard. Pakistan Steel Chairman Lt-Gen (retired) Abdul Qayyum gave a detailed presentation to the meeting, highlighting the corporate strategies to achieve positive results.

He also mentioned the international steel scenario and gave future projections which indicated bullish trend in the international steel market during the next year. Mr Qayyum also informed the minister that international technical consultants had already approached Pakistan Steel to prepare techno-commercial reports for its expansion. He pointed out that good quality iron ore was not available in the country.