LAHORE, Sept 13: Commerce Minister Humayun Akhtar Khan says a set of proposals has been prepared by his ministry for restructuring the Export Promotion Bureau.

Talking to reporters here on Monday, he said the proposals would shortly be submitted to Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz. He said there were three options for the proposed restructuring of the EPB, but declined to give details.

In reply to a question about his scheduled visit to the US in the last week of this month, he said he would attend the first council meeting regarding Trade and Investment Framework Agreement.

"I will represent Pakistan while the other side will be represented by the US trade representative. Issues such as enhancing mutual trade relations, market access for Pakistan's exports to the US will come under discussion during the meeting," he said.

During the visit, he will also meet the US secretary of commerce, senators, congressmen, and Pakistanis settled in the US. In response to a question, he said all issues related to rice export to the EU and duty abatement had been settled.

The entire rice regime has been reviewed by the EU and we have managed to get a very attractive package for our rice under which our super basmati rice has been zero-rated by the EU.

The minister also held a meeting with representatives of the Gujranwala Chamber of Commerce and Industry and heard their problems. He told them that he would hold meetings with the representatives of various chambers on every Monday to listen to their issues and problems in person.