ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed the commerce ministry to convene a National Export Development Board meeting next week to explore ways to increase exports, especially manufactured products.

The directive came from the premier at a meeting on Thursday to examine the progress of several projects within the ministry.

The premier was briefed that manufactured goods, particularly engineering items, had negative growth in November, while textile and garment exports slowed.

Raw agricultural food goods were the only products to grow in November.

Mr Shehbaz directed steps to increase the export of rice. He recalled that it was agreed to increase the export of Pakistani rice to Malaysia during the recent visit of Malaysian Prime Minister Dato` Seri Anwar Ibrahim to Pakistan.

An official announcement from the Prime Minister Secretariat said Mr Shehbaz was briefed on measures to increase agricultural exports. It was told that two memorandums of understanding had been signed with Russia for barter trade of agricultural commodities.

Mr Shehbaz said that SpecialEconomic Zones would be functionalised by providing hotels, hospitals, business schools,and other servicestoboost national exports.

The premier directed forming a special cabinet committee to identify ways and measures in consultation with the exporters to increase the production of major crops such as wheat, cotton, sugarcane, rice, edible oil, and others.

Based on expert opinions, the committee would present recommendations to increase the production of major crops.

The premier was informed that Tajikistan has expressed interest in cooperation with Pakistan in the textile sector. He has directed immediate measures to create sustainable employment opportunities in the border districts of Balochistan.

Ahead of the briefing, Commerce Minister Jam Kamal chaired an internal review meeting to assess the performance of various wings and attached departments under the ministry. The minister emphasised the need to capitalise on emerging opportunities to boost Pakistan`s trade and export potential.

An official announcement of the commerce ministry said that during the meeting, the minister directed officials to prioritise the facilitation of exporters to maximise their productivity.