ISLAMABAD, Feb 4: The board of administrators of Export Development Fund (EDF) on Monday approved an amount of Rs1.3 billion for implementation of various proposals relating to promotion of exports in various sectors.

The board headed by Minister for Commerce and Textile Industry Shahzada Alam Mannoo also reviewed progress of the on-going schemes financed through EDF. Officers of various ministries attended the meeting.

An official announcement said the projects approved include Cleaner Production Centre at Sialkot, R&D Department in the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry, and establishment of Model Quarry and Rock Mining Training Institute at Buner, Swat, NWFP, Karachi Garment City, National Trade and Transport Facilitation Committee and construction of a cargo complex at Sialkot International Airport.

The board also approved funds for various research and development studies aiming to enhance country’s exports. The board considered various proposals received from the trade bodies relating to export. The members discussed the agenda item-by-item and pledged to increase country’s exports, which is the need of the hour.