RAWALPINDI, Dec 4: Federal Minister for Industries and Production Mian Manzoor Ahmad Wattoo has called upon the Engineering Development Board (EDB) to prepare proposals for the establishment of industrial estates for manufacturing agricultural machinery in the country.

Addressing senior officials of EDB in Islamabad on Thursday he referred to the various clusters for manufacturing agricultural machinery in the country and said creation of industrial estates would give a big boost to the sector.

Mr Watto stressed the need for higher growth in the country and said the support of public sector organisations for formulation of sound policies was vital to achieve this goal.

The minister announced that the board of management of EDB will be reconstituted by giving representation to various industrial sectors. He emphasised the need for better coordination between various departments and organisations working under his ministry and said that the system of holding chairmen conferences will be re-introduced and the first meeting of heads of these organisations will be called shortly.

Mr Watto appreciated the role of EDB in the development of industry, particularly the engineering sector and said the board should arrange sectoral meetings like the one held for steel sector so that progressive and industry-friendly policies could be formed by the government.

Earlier, EDB chief executive officer Asad Elahi presented a detailed presentation on the working, goals and achievements of the board.