July 28, 2008	Monday	Rajab 24, 1429

MULTAN, July 27: Multan will host an international cotton conference and a football tournament in winter this year, according to three memoranda of understanding (MoUs) signed here on Sunday.

The agreements had been inked between the city district government and its foreign partners at the conclusion of the three-day mango festival.

Those who have reached an understanding are an Italian firm, ECS, South Korea, Pakistan and the city district government of Multan.

The cotton conference would be sponsored by the CDG and agriculture scientists, renowned farmers and cotton importers and exporters would be invited to it.

A Swiss consultant would be hired for the international football tournament and several club teams from Italy, Korea, Mexico and other European countries will participate in the event.

The purpose of the tournament is to introduce Multan to the world as one of the oldest living city.

It was decided that more consultants would be appointed to arrange donors, sponsors and teams for the football tournament.

According to another MoU, ECS would develop a model mango farm to benefit local farmers.

City District Nazim Mian Faisal Mukhtar said that along with ambassadors of various countries, mango farmers and importers would also be invited to the international mango festival next year.

While the local mango farms would be registered with the help of ECS.

Ambassadors from Italy, South Korea, Pak-Italy Commerce and Industry Forum president, city district nazim and Multan districr coordination officer signed the MoUs.

Italian and Korean ambassadors offered their assistance in introducing and promoting Pakistani mango in the markets of their countries.