ISLAMABAD (DNA) – Economic Coordination Committee on Tuesday approved measures for revival of cotton crop in the country.

The decision was taken during its meeting in Islamabad with Finance Minister Asad Umar in chair.

During the meeting, Secretary Ministry of National food Security & Research gave the meeting a detailed presentation on issues and challenges in the cotton sector. Experts in the field of cotton growing who were specially invited to the meeting also gave their input for developing the cotton crop.

The ECC decided that ministry of national food security & research will present, within 30 days, a plan for strengthening research and development services for different crops with particular focus on cotton. The ministry will also submit plan for revitalization of federal institutions tasked with the responsibility of developing the cotton sector.

The ECC also directed the ministry to expedite efforts for implementing PB Ropes technology to counter the pink bollworm which impedes cotton growth.

The meeting directed that Ministry of Industries and Production would take measures for recovery of cotton cess from textile mills so as to give impetus to cotton promotion activities, which are to be funded through the cess.

It also accorded approval for additional guarantees to PIACL of Rs 5.6 billion for repair and maintenance of engines and acquisition of related spare parts for operationalizing grounded planes.

The step would strengthen PIACL’s route rationalization initiatives and add to revenue generation of the national flag carrier. The Ministry of Maritime Affairs briefed the meeting about various concessions granted to the Gwadar Port and Gwadar Free Zone.

ECC directed that BoI, Ministry of Planning, Ministry of Maritime Affairs, Law Division and FBR to review the proposals and revert to the Committee. ECC in consideration of proposal submitted by Petroleum Division gave its consent for the Frontier Oil Company to undertake/implement the Machike -Tarujabba Oil Pipeline project.

The project, consisting of three sections i.e. Machike-Chak Pirana, Chak Pirana-rawat and Rwat-Tarujabba, aims at transportation of High Speed Diesel and Motor Spirit. The Ministry of Maritime Affairs briefed the meeting with regard to the location of any new LNG terminals in the country as well as the assessment of requirement for relocation of the existing terminals.

The Committee took note of the presentation and directed the relevant Ministries to work out the medium to long term requirement of LNG in the country and present the same to the Committee.