ISLAMABAD: President Dr Arif Alvi on Monday emphasised the need for increasing trade with neighbours and directed the authorities concerned to establish more trade crossing points along the border with neighboring countries in Balochistan.

“It would greatly help generate economic activities and enhance the quantum of exports,” the president said while addressing a meeting on Borders and Trade Management in Balochistan at the Presidency.

He asked the concerned organisations to take steps for facilitating importers and exporters at the border areas of Balochistan to enhance country’s exports.

The meeting was attended by Chairman Senate Muhammad Sadiq Sanjrani, Minister of Finance and Revenue Shaukat Tarin, Governor Balochistan Syed Zahoor Ahmed Agha, Chief Minister Balochistan Mir Abdul Qudoos Bizenjo, Secretary Interior Yousaf Naseem Khokhar, Chief Secretary Balochistan Mather Niaz Rana and senior officials.

The meeting was briefed about the problems being faced by the people and traders of Balochistan. The participants were informed that the province had no petrol pumps in the remote areas and the traders along the border also lacked necessary facilities such as communication, banks and roads infrastructure.