ECC reviews to boost employment for Pakistani workers abroad

ISLAMABAD (92 News) - The Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) meeting on Tuesday reviewed the steps to increase employment opportunities for the Pakistani workers abroad. The ECC meeting was chaired by Finance Minister Asad Umar and discussed a seven-point agenda. Progress made on the Pakistan Steel Mills cases in the National Accountability Bureau and issuance of supplementary budget of more than one billion rupees for the Hajj operations came under discussion. The ECC has directed the Ministry of Industries and Production to ensure placing of names of personnel under investigation in NAB cases regarding Pakistan Steel Mills on the exit control list (ECL). Earlier, the Ministry gave the meeting an update on the current status of NAB cases about Pakistan Steel Mills. The ECC considered and approved proposal of Ministry of Commerce regarding necessary additions in labeling requirements for import of edible products. Ministry of National Food Security and Research apprised the ECC about demand and supply situation of Urea and DAP fertilizers in the country. The ECC directed for continued functioning of urea plants till October 2019 to ensure sufficient supply of fertilizers. The Economic Coordination Committee also directed for formation of a committee headed by Minister for Ports & shipping to bring up proposals for prompt and efficient cargo clearance at ports. It also ordered to form a Task Force headed by Special Advisor to Prime Minister on Overseas and Human Resource Development for giving concrete proposals on development and export of manpower. Earlier, the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) presided over by Finance Minister Asad Umar cancelled the costly Inter-State Gas Systems (ISGS) project signed during the tenure of former prime minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi. The committee handed over the construction of oil line from Sheikhupura to Nowshera to Frontier Oil Company. The meeting also approved an additional grant of Rs 5.60 billion for the Pakistan International Airlines for maintenance of engines and acquisition of related spares to operationalize grounded aircraft. The meeting decided that due focus will be laid on the area of research and development, and that collaboration will be made with China to enhance cotton yield.