ISLAMABAD, Feb 7: Caretaker Prime Minister Mohammedmian Soomro has constituted a steering committee to review the implementation of various measures linked with the withdrawal of ban on export of fish and fish products to the European Union within three months.

Presiding over a meeting on Thursday, the premier directed all stakeholders to make efforts to ensure compliance of the EU standards for an early lifting of the ban.

The premier would monitor the working of the committee while the chief executive of Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) would function as its vice chairman, said an official announcement.

The committee would examine the progress of implementation of EU standards on a monthly basis and ensure that the ban is lifted within three months.

TDAP chief executive Tariq Ikram stated all stakeholders in the fisheries business were taken on board and recommendations were made for resolving the issue permanently so as to ensure quality products both for local consumption and for exports.

The committee presented a road-map for refurbishment of boats and the provision of insulated boxes in vessels and made recommendations for improvement in technical and hygienic conditions of halls.

The meeting was informed that the processing of the fisheries products would be standardised under the supervision of an internationally recognised agency.

The meeting was further informed that modern peeling sheds would be constructed at the Karachi Fish Harbour.

To maintain quality and standards of fisheries products, he said flake ice plants at and near the harbour would be upgraded.

Similarly, the capability of MFD would be upgraded through training facilities for fisherman, workers, and management of the fisheries trade.

EXPO CHINA: Reviewing the progress on the Expo China, the prime minister asked the TDAP to ensure sizable and meaningful presence of Pakistan in the forthcoming ‘World Expo China-2010’.

He said that the country’s participation in the event would help promote Pakistani brands, and provide an opportunity to Pakistani exporters to increase their exports.

Mr Soomro stressed that the objective of our participation should be focused and market-oriented. He stressed the need for more active participation of the private sector in this event

Pakistan pavilion at the Expo China 2010 should help build the image of the country, he said, adding it should also attract the visitors.

The fundamental idea of putting up a pavilion, he mentioned, was to project Pakistan as a country on the move which has entered the 21st century as a successful developing country with strong economic credentials.

The TDAP chief executive said that services of professional firms are being engaged to ensure proper presentation of our cultural and economic activities at the event.

He said socio-economic development and trade prospects would be weaved into the Expo theme to establish our brand.