ISLAMABAD, Sept 5: Commerce Minister, Humayun Akhtar Khan said on Friday the government had decided to constitute a parliamentary Task Force to create awareness among the parliamentarians on trade related issues under WTO regime.

Speaking at a news conference here, the minister said the proposal was sent to the Prime Minister, Mir Zafarullah Khan Jamali for final approval.

The minister was briefing newsmen following the review meeting of the Trade Policy 2003-04 implementation with chief ministers and governors of all the four provinces here on Friday.

Mr Khan said the task force would include senators representing the four provinces, women parliamentarians, members National Assembly from both government and opposition.

The task force would brief the two chambers of parliament on all negotiations under the WTO regime to seek their opinions and keep them abreast with the latest development in this regard, he added.

The minister said that he had a telephonic discussion with the European Union (EU) trade commissioner, Pascal Lamay on different issues regarding the forthcoming ministerial conference at Cancun scheduled for September 10-14.

He said that during his talks with the EU trade minister, which lasted for 45 minutes, he made it clear that Pakistan’s position was clear on agreement on agriculture and Singapore issues.

The EU is the main proponent of Singapore issues who wanted to include it in the WTO’s regime at Cancun for which they are seeking support of developing countries. The EU is also seeking support from developing countries to follow their formula for reduction of agriculture tariffs.

Mr. Khan said that Pakistan would support other developing countries asking for steep cuts in the agriculture tariffs.

Replying to a question, he said that he would lead a high level technical team to Cancun included senior officials from the ministries of commerce, industry, finance and foreign affairs.

He said that another delegation to be led by speaker national assembly including five MNAs would also participate in another meeting of parliamentarian on WTO issues in Cancun just after the ministerial conference.

Regarding the review of trade policy implementation, the minister said that almost all the steps taken during the trade policy for promotion of trade were implemented.

He said that during the meeting proposals received from the chief ministers of NWFP and Balochistan, which he said would be considered and implemented soon. These included apple treatment plant at Quetta, grading, polishing and packing; date processing plant at Turbat, D.I. Khan and Khairpur; Shrimp farming facility in Balochistan; fish processing, hatcheries and canning plants at Karachi, Gawadar and Pasni; marble institutes in Balochistan and NWFP, promotion of export of fruits and vegetables. It was also agreed to establish gems institute in the NWFP for enhancement of export of precious stones.