SIALKOT: United Sates Agency for International Development (USAID) today has formally launched its’ multi-phased project for the development of dairy, agriculture, horticulture and livestock sectors in Sialkot region.
USAID and Sialkot Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) inked a MoU for the development of agriculture, dairy and livestock development in Sialkot region under the USAID’s “Punjab Enabling Environment Project (PEEP).
Under this MoU, both USAID and SCCI will mutual promote Sialkot as a desirable destination for investment in the livestock, dairy and agriculture sectors, saying that there was huge potential of development in these sectors at Sialkot.
Speaking at the ceremony, SCCI President Major (R) Mansur Ahmed said that USAID-PEEP and SCCI would work together to stimulate the business enabling environment in the livestock, dairy and agriculture sectors by utilizing the entrepreneurial capacity as well as linkages of SCCI for promoting trade and investment opportunities in Sialkot.
SCCI President added that Sialkot Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) had been pro-active in promoting livestock, dairy and agro based industries in the region to enhance prospects of exports in fruits, vegetables, flowers, milk and meat products.
He said that there was enormous potential of export in these sectors especially after establishment of Sialkot International Airport. He emphasized that private sector, Government departments and international development agencies should coordinate efforts to encourage establishment of projects in agri-sector on modern lines to increase exports in perishables.
Through this memorandum, the USAID-funded Punjab Enabling Environment Project (PEEP) and Sialkot Chamber of Commerce & Industry (SCCI) aim to promote investment opportunities for joint ventures, advocate for public-private partnerships emerging from the Government of Punjab’s agricultural initiatives, and highlight trade and investment areas for potential investors.
On this occasion, the representatives of USAID said that the USAID would spend US$ 15 million to improve the business environment in the livestock, dairy and agriculture sectors of Punjab under USAID’s PEEP Project as well.
