RAWALPINDI: The National Economic meeting here today [May 4] approved the annual development plan for 1968-69 which aims at attaining a growth rate of seven per cent during the next year. The Council noted with satisfaction that during the current year the country has attained an overall growth rate of 8.3 per cent the highest ever in its economic history.

The Council, which also approved the midPlan review evaluating the country`s performance during the first half of the current Plan period and presenting an assessment of the prospects for the remaining period of the Plan also noted the spectacular rise in agricultural production in the country during the current year and the resulting downward trend in food prices.

The annual Plan for the next year envisages a 14 per cent growth rate in industrial sector by accelerating investment and ensuring large availability of raw material in the industrial sector. Targets have also been fixed for the agricultural sector. They are: for West Pakistan wheat 6.3 million tons, rice 2.1 million tons and cotton 3.1 million bales; and for East Pakistan rice 11.5 million and jute more than last year`s target which was 6.8 million. Correspondent