Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz has asked the ministry of commerce to intensify efforts in collaboration with the private sector to achieve the $17 billion export target set for the next financial year. Shaukat Aziz was talking to Minister of State for Commerce Hamid Yar Hiraj, who called on him at the Prime Minister's House on Monday.

The Prime Minister called upon the ministry to work actively, particularly by activating and motivating the private sector to enhance the country's exports.

Hiraj apprised the Prime Minister of the various initiatives being undertaken by the ministry to increase and diversify the country's exports.

The minister of State also discussed with Shaukat Aziz the forthcoming local bodies' elections and issues relating to the development schemes in his constituency.

Copyright Associated Press of Pakistan, 2005