ECC for placement of names of persons under probe on ECL

ISLAMABAD: Finance Minister Asad Umar chaired meeting of the Economic Coordination Committee of the Cabinet (ECC) on Tuesday. The meeting considered and approved proposals presented by different ministries, says a press release.

The Ministry of Industries and Production presented to the ECC an update on the current status of NAB cases regarding Pakistan Steel Mills. The ECC expressed concern on the slow progress of the cases and directed that the cases be actively pursued. The ECC further directed that a case be initiated for placement of names of personnel under investigation in different cases on ECL.

The committee considered and approved proposal of the Commerce Division for amendments to the Import Policy Order 2016, further beefing up existing labelling requirements for import of edible, specially halal products. The step would ensure clarity on ingredients of the imported products in Urdu language for benefit of the consumers.

The Ministry of National Food Security and Research apprised the ECC about demand and supply situation of Urea and DAP fertilisers in the country. The ECC directed for continued operation of the two urea plants beyond the month of February till October to ensure sufficient supply/stock of the fertiliser; Ministry of Industry would accordingly submit proposal to the ECC on operation of the plants. A review of the fertiliser stocks in the country would be taken in August for necessary course correction, if needed.

The FBR shared with the ECC a report, highlighting the current position of auction of abandoned containers/lots and also elaborating the procedures for clearance/disposal of consignments at ports along with the challenges faced in the process. The ECC while laying emphasis on simplification of procedures and promotion of e-clearance, directed formation of a Committee headed by Minister for Maritime Affairs to prepare proposals for prompt and efficient cargo clearance (both containers and vehicles) at the ports to reduce the port congestion and improving ease of doing business. The committee would share its proposals with the ECC in two weeks.

The Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development (OP&HRD) briefed the ECC about the current position of manpower export to different countries and efforts for seeking employment opportunities in international labour market including the gulf countries. The Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training informed the ECC that it had a data bank of over 600,000 skilled manpower, who have graduated from the NAVTCC platform. The ECC directed for constitution of an Inter-ministerial task force with OP&HRD as lead ministry, for formulating concrete proposals with clear targets on development and export of manpower. The meeting laid emphasis on skill development, standardisation and accreditation of technical training, information sharing, connectivity between websites of NAVTCC and OP&HRD, particularly on opportunities abroad for benefit of employment seekers.