ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Australia have agreed to enhance bilateral trade to US$1 billion during next year, Commerce Minister Khurram Dastgir has said.

Signing agreement in this regard at the conclusion of recently held Pak-Australia Joint Trade Committee meeting held at Canberra, Australia, Dastgir said economic and political relationship between both the countries was improving.

“In this connection, the recently held successful joint trade committee meeting between the two countries was a step in this direction,” he said in a statement issued by the Ministry of Commerce on Tuesday.

He said Australia would also help Pakistan enhance technical capabilities in boosting agricultural products exports, besides creating opportunities for agriculture sector.

With the help of Australia, one of the biggest exporters for agriculture products, the Pakistani government was making efforts to increase income of the local farmers by increasing their exports, the minister said.

Australia would also provide technical assistance to the Ministry of Commerce in reorganising itself.

The Pak-Australia joint trade committee has also decided to enhance bilateral cooperation in providing technical training education in engineering, services and energy sectors.

Published in Dawn, September 24th, 2014