Pakistan exporting 2700 metric tons of gypsum to India daily: NA told

ISLAMABAD, March 18: National Assembly was informed on Friday that Pakistan was exporting 2700 metric tons of gypsum to India daily through Wagah border crossing from July last year to date.
Minister for Commerce Khurram Dastgir Khan told the House during question hour that Gypsum is being exported to India in ‘crushed loose form’ with value up to 22 dollars per metric ton.
To a question, he said major reason of decline in Pakistan’s exports is massive reduction in prices of commodities in the world. He said another reason is major recession in international market and slowdown in China which resulted in decrease in demand. However, he said there is a decrease in exports in terms of value and not in terms of quantity.
The Minister said the main focus of the trade policy is on value addition.
Answering a question, Khurram Dastgir said performance of foreign missions of the country is being vigorously monitored.
He pointed out that except some diplomatic missions, Pakistan is keeping minimum diplomatic presence in different countries to maintain diplomatic relations. He said zero tolerance is being observed against corruption in Foreign Office.
Minister for Commerce Khurram Dastgir Khan informed the House that Pakistan has consistently supported all the regional and international efforts to combat militancy, extremism and terrorism.
He said since the key objective of the 34 Muslim Countries Alliance with Saudi Arabia is to counter the threat posed by terrorist groups, Pakistan has joined the alliance. He pointed out that Operation Zarb-e-Azb is helping to fight terrorist groups within the country. He said Pakistan is expected to share its counter-terrorism experience with other interested member countries.
Referring to problems being faced by the farmers for low prices of their products, the Minister said there is massive decline in prices of agriculture products in the world. However, he pointed out that agriculture products prices are higher in Pakistan than other countries of the world.
Khurram Dastgir said the reason for reduction in cotton production is untimely rains. He said the government is planning to give training to the farmers to timely drain out the water from the cotton crops in case of intensive rains.-DNA