ISLAMABAD, July 18: Commerce Minister, Humayun Akhtar Khan said on Friday that the government was considering to set up agriculture export zone in Punjab.

This was stated by the minister in a meeting with Punjab Chief Minister, Ch Pervez Elahi. The chief minister also discussed with the minister the upcoming trade policy and offered some proposals for consideration.

The minister suggested to the Punjab government to provide land and infrastructure facility for the zone.

He said government was keen in the development of agro-based industries, which, he said, was vital for value-added agriculture products.

Mr. Khan also announced that a garment city would also be set up in Punjab for development of garments and its exports from the country.

The minister said that SMEs could play a vital role in the development of garment city.

He said that special export zone would also be established in other provinces. He said these types of free zones are essential for development of industry and trade.

The Punjab Chief Minister, Ch Pervez Elahi said that the Punjab government was developing agriculture and agro-based industry besides other areas of the industry.

He said the Punjab government had already announced its industrial policy for promotion of industrial activity in Punjab.

He said Punjab government would provide land and all infrastructure facilities for agriculture export zone and garment city.