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Express Tribune
3 days ago
- Business
- Express Tribune
100 agri graduates head to China for training
Listen to article A group of 100 young agricultural graduates will depart for China on Sunday under the Prime Minister's Special Capacity-Building Programme, a key step toward transforming Pakistan's agriculture sector through international learning and technology transfer. The delegation will receive training at Southwest University of Science and Technology, according to a statement by the Ministry of National Food Security and Research (MNFSR) issued on Saturday. The training is part of a larger initiative that aims to train 1,000 Pakistani agriculture graduates in top Chinese institutions. The goal is to learn from China's advanced, climate-smart, and technology-driven farming practices to improve productivity in Pakistan. A pre-departure ceremony was held today at the MNFSR to bid farewell to the group. Secretary MNFSR Amir Muhyuddin praised the graduates' enthusiasm and stressed the programme's importance. "You are the ambassadors of Pakistan's agricultural future," he said. "This is a transformational opportunity to gain knowledge and skills to uplift our farming landscape." He added that the initiative reflects the prime minister's vision to enhance the agriculture sector through international exposure and modern practices. He urged trainees to stay focused, maintain discipline, and act as goodwill ambassadors between Pakistan and China. Additional Secretary Alam Zaib, Deputy Secretary Shafqat Abbas, and other officials briefed the group on the training modules, objectives, and expected outcomes. They assured continued support during the training period. The programme was launched following the prime minister's visit to the Yangling Agricultural Technology Demonstration Base in June 2024. As per the PM's directives from November, MNFSR was tasked with implementing the programme in three batches in collaboration with HEC, MOFA, MoIT, NITB, and Pakistan's Embassy in Beijing.
Business Recorder
02-07-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
No subsidy or tax relief on imports: ECC sticks to sugar deregulation
ISLAMABAD: The Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of the Cabinet has reaffirmed its stance on deregulating sugar prices, reiterating that no subsidy or tax exemptions will be available for sugar imports in FY 2025-26. The Finance Ministry communicated this clearly on financial position and commitments with the International Monetary Fund (IMF). On June 27, 2025, the Ministry of National Food Security and Research (MNFS&R) sought emergency approval from the ECC Chairman and Finance Minister Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb to present a summary due to urgent market concerns. Approval was granted. De-regulating the sugar industry: do not drop the ball again The MNFS&R briefed the ECC that a meeting of the Prime Minister's Committee, formed on March 16, 2025 under the Deputy Prime Minister, was held on June 19. The committee noted that sugar prices remain high, and current stock levels are inadequate to stabilize the market. The committee concluded that demand-pull inflation in the sugar market could only be mitigated by increasing supply. Despite multiple appeals, the sugar industry has refused to reduce ex-mill prices to the agreed range of Rs.154–159/kg. As a result, the committee recommended importing up to 500,000 metric tons (0.500 MMT) of white sugar. A subsequent Sugar Advisory Board (SAB) meeting on June 23 reviewed stock levels, reported at 2.575 MMT, and evaluated consumption trends. The average monthly consumption, net of exports since the start of the crushing season (November 21, 2024), is 0.541 MMT — a level that may only just meet domestic demand through the next season, leaving no surplus stock for FY 2025-26. Consultations with sugar dealers and federal and provincial agencies reveal tight supply and rising demand, enabling hoarding and profiteering. Projections suggest sugar prices could climb to Rs.190/kg ex-mill and Rs.200/kg at retail by November 2025. To curb the ongoing price surge, the MNFS&R proposed importing white sugar and requested the federal government provide duty and tax relief on imports until September 30, 2025. A Steering Committee was proposed to manage import logistics, price setting, and distribution, including Federal Minister for MNFSR (Chairman), Federal Minister for Commerce, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister (Foreign Affairs), Secretaries of Finance, Commerce, MNFSR, and Industries, the FBR Chairman, Chief Secretaries of all provinces and Chairman of the Trading Corporation of Pakistan (TCP). The committee will determine the import quantity and procurement methods, including government-to-government (G2G) deals, private importers, or via the TCP. The TCP has provided cost estimates both inclusive and exclusive of duties/taxes for an import volume of 100,000 MT (+/- 5%). Following the presentation, MNFSR formally requested the ECC's approval for importing up to 0.500 MMT of white sugar through this mechanism. However, the Finance Division emphasized that no subsidy is allocated for sugar imports in the FY 2025-26 budget and IMF conditions prevent any waiver of duties or taxes. The ECC reiterated its earlier directive to deregulate sugar prices, noting that any import proposal must include detailed financial implications for ECC approval. After a thorough discussion, the ECC approved the formation of the Steering Committee, which will submit detailed recommendations and financial evaluations for final decision-making. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
