LAHORE, Nov 15: Chief Minister Pervaiz Elahi said on Saturday that the province had drawn a comprehensive plan in collaboration with the federal government to enhance export and quicken the pace of industrialization.

The chief minister was presiding over a meeting which was attended by Commerce Minister Humayun Akhtar Khan, provincial Industries Minister Ajmal Cheema, Agriculture Minister Arshad Lodhi, Environment Minister Makhdoom Ashfaq Ahmad, chief secretary Hafeez Akhtar Randhawa and secretaries of different departments.

An independent institution for agriculture marketing was also being established in the province to create better opportunities for the export of agriculture products and ensure adequate profit to farmers, Mr Elahi said.

He said the government was laying emphasis on increasing the productivity of such items which were in demand abroad.

The chief minister said the institution of agriculture marketing would guide farmers on marketing and establish an information system about the demand of agriculture produce abroad.

Mr Elahi said it would provide necessary know-how to farmers so that they could make better marketing plans about their crops. Two agriculture export zones were being set up where arrangements would be made for the export of agriculture produce, he added.

He supported public-private partnership which, he said, would create better employment opportunities for the people.

RECEPTION: Mr Elahi said at a reception given by the residents of Jauhar Town that the PML-Q had become a national party and the top priority of its leadership was to ensure fortification of the country.