Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday announced a federal initiative to provide subsidized loans to young entrepreneurs in rural areas, aimed at promoting small -scale industries and improving national exports, Pakistan radio reported.
The plan, developed in consultation with the provincial governments, was revealed during a ceremony in Islamabad that marks the launch of an agricultural capacity construction program for 1,000 Pakistani graduates in China.
Prime Minister Shehbaz expressed optimism that training, facilitated by the Chinese government, would lead to stronger export figures and a revitalized agricultural sector.
“This will improve our exports,” he said, adding that the program would provide graduate skills in modern agricultural techniques, hybrid seeds and climatic resistance.
The prime minister emphasized the importance of revitalizing agricultural research institutions to support long -term sector growth.
He also thanked Chinese President Xi Jinping for supporting the initiative. “Our outstanding and talented graduates through their hard work and behavior will not only improve Pakistan’s image in China but throughout the world,” he said.
The first lot of 300 graduates has already been selected by merit, with representation of the four provinces, Azad Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltist. Prime Minister Shehbaz said that the remaining 700 participants would also be chosen by merit.
“China is a close friend of Pakistan who has always stayed with us in difficult times,” added the prime minister.
