Islamabad, Jun 27 (PTI) Pakistan's new Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf today directed Commerce Minister Makhdoom Amin Fahim to "pro-actively pursue the promotion of trade relations" with neighbours like India, China, Afghanistan and Iran. Ashraf, who assumed office last week, made the remarks during a meeting with Fahim. The two leaders discussed the political situation in the country to "ensure continuity of the political process in Pakistan", an official statement said. Fahim informed the premier about progress in promoting trade relations with neighbouring countries, including India. The Pakistan government recently switched to a negative list regime for trade with India, paving the way for giving the neighbouring country Most Favoured Nation-status by the beginning of next year. Ashraf expressed hope that the upward momentum of Pakistans exports will continue during the next fiscal year. He said the textile sector would play a leading role due to the higher yield of cotton this year.
