KARACHI: Measures for promotion of trade between Pakistan and the Gulf area were discussed between the two-member trade delegation from Bahrein and the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry last evening.

Speaking at a meeting of the Federation the leader of the trade team, Mr Abdel Rehman Alavi, said that the main purpose of his visit was to explore the possibility of setting up Pakistan House at Bahrein which could serve as a sales and display centre for the entire Gulf area.

The leader of the trade team suggested various measures for promotion of trade.

The Bahrein trade team also complained that Pakistan’s policy with regard to sale of rice created monopolists who exploited the situation to raise the prices. He said price of rice from Pakistan had jumped from 6 pounds sterling to 99 pounds sterling with the result that the Kuwaiti traders stopped purchase of Pakistani rice. He suggested that sale of rice through tenders should be abandoned by Pakistan and individual quota should be fixed for traders to break the monopoly of a few individuals. He added that Pakistan may have made some monetary gains by sale of rice by this method but it has lost its “fair name”.—Agencies