Priority to be given to agriculture in next budget

Federal Minister for Finance, Syed Naveed Qamar said that agriculture would be given priority in the upcoming fiscal budget with an aim to promote the sector for ensuring food sufficiency in the country.

"Keeping in view the worldwide food situation, agriculture sector would be given priority in budget 2008-09," finance minister said while talking to journalists after dinner reception here on Monday night.

The Board of Investment had arranged dinner reception in the honour of business community and investors here on Tuesday night with an aim to apprise them about the investment opportunities in the country.

The federal minister said that agriculture was the backbone of country's economy; however, unfortunately it was not given proper attention and neglected in past years.

Besides, the federal minister said that special attention would be given towards infrastructure development to lead the country towards economic prosperity. Promotion of agriculture and manufacturing sectors will be given priority for sustainable economic growth, the minister added.