ISLAMABAD, Sept 30: Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani said on Thursday that the government accorded high priority to exports and was aware of the challenges faced by the export sector due to severe competition and recession. He expressed these views in a meeting with former president of Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry Zafar Iqbal Chaudhry, who called on him along with a delegation at his Parliament House chamber.

The prime minister urged the business community to identify challenges, analyse emerging trends in the world markets and devise new strategies for the promotion of exports.

The competitive environment requires improvement of the quality of exports, he added.

Commenting on the recent European Union concession to grant enhanced market access to Pakistani exports, the prime minister said it manifested the sustained engagement and persuasion that the government had been following since its inception.

He said it was need of the hour to put in joint efforts by both the government and the private sector to consolidate foothold in the existing markets.

The members of the delegation apprised the prime minister about various business activities going on in their areas. They appreciated the government for its concerted efforts for opening up new vistas for business activities for investors and entrepreneurs.

They also apprised the prime minister of the steps being taken by the business community for the relief of the flood affected people.—APP