KARACHI: The National Security Division (NSD) has created an economic outreach roadmap which will be processed through relevant ministries after assessing their potential, Special Assi­stant to the Prime Minister on National Security Moeed Yusuf said on Wednesday.

Addressing at the Fede­ration of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI), Yusuf — who is also the focal person for the Economic Outreach Progra­mme — said a mapping exercise of ministries and government organisations has been initiated by the NSD which aims to identify Pakistan’s comparative advantage in priority countries, a press release issued by the FPCCI quoted the adviser as saying.

Presenting the model which would develop Pakis­tan’s narrative, the adviser said the Economic Outreach Programme would engage vast representation of stakeholders while the National Security would serve as the focal point. He said his team has identified various areas of improvement to expand Pakistan’s trade.

Prime Minister Imran Kh­an has given this task to develop Pakistan’s narrative and this task will be better coordinated with each and every ministry to harmonise our stance, the FPCCI press release quoted the adviser as saying.

FPCCI President Mian Anjum Nisar said Pakistan’s narrative should be supported by all segments to build the country’s image as a moderate and investment friendly destination.

On the Economic Outreach Programme, he said some issues are affecting country’s industrial growth and economic development. Different industrial policies were introduced by various regimes. “Now an industrial policy should be formulated with an aim to protect the existing industries,” he added.

Published in Dawn, October 22nd, 2020