November 05, 2006	Sunday	Shawwal 12, 1427

ISLAMABAD, Nov 4: Minister for Food, Agriculture and Livestock Sikandar Hayat Bosan on Saturday said that Pakistan would seek technical assistance of Malaysia to set up palm oil farms in the coastal areas of Sindh and Balochistan provinces.

Talking with a five-member Malaysian delegation led by Minister of Plantation, Industries and Commodities Dato

Peter Chin, Mr Bosan called for duty reduction on import of palm oil under FTA and cooperation of Malaysia with regard to trading, capacity building and promotion of joint ventures among private sector.

During the meeting both the countries agreed to increase volume of bilateral trade with special focus on agriculture products, which include rice, fruit and vegetables.

Mr Bosan also emphasized on the need to increase Pakistan’s market share of rice in Malaysia as well.

The Malaysian minister expressed the hope that the relations between both the countries will increase in the days to come. He said that Pakistan should give priority to import of palm oil from Malaysia.—APP