ISLAMABAD, July 9: The Board of Administrators of Export Development Fund (EDF) approved here on Friday the scheme to establish a Cotton Ginning Research and Training Institute at Multan.

The board in its meeting presided over by Commerce Minister Humayun Akhtar Khan, took the decision to improve the quality of ginning in Pakistan. "This will contribute significantly to upgradation of the quality in the entire cotton chain," the meeting noted.

The institute will also help in creating awareness for production of contamination-free cotton. Commerce secretary Tasneem Noorani and Export Promotion Bureau chairman Tariq Ikram were also present in the meeting.

It was decided to prepare a proper feasibility work programme for the institute. The Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority (Smeda) will help in finalizing the feasibility report, the meeting was informed.

The institute will be run under a joint management of the EPB, Smeda, the textile commissioner and the ginners' association. The board also approved engagement of two consultants for carrying out a feasibility study for the establishment of hallmarking system and assaying office at Karachi. This integrated system, the meeting was told, would help promote jewellry manufacturing in Pakistan.