ISLAMABAD: The Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of the Cabinet has approved a summary submitted by the Commerce Division regarding amendments to the Import Policy Order (IPO), 2022, for the import of Areca nut (betel nut), a widely consumed commodity with significant commercial importance in the domestic market.
The revised framework for import of betel nut, including pre-shipment inspection and enhanced regulatory oversight,
has been introduced under the approval by the prime minister to ensure compliance with phytosanitary and food safety standards, minimise disputes and facilitate trade in line with international best practices.
The ECC met on Wednesday at the Finance Division under the chairmanship of Minister for Finance Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb.
The ECC also approved a summary submitted by the Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations & Coordination for a technical supplementary grant amounting to Rs2.8 billion in favour of the Federal Directorate of Immunisation (FDI).
The ECC further approved a technical supplementary grant of Rs306 million in favour of the Airports Security Force (ASF) under the Defence Division to meet essential obligations.
The ECC also approved a summary submitted by the Federal Education and Professional Training Division (MOFEPT) for allocation of Rs2 billion through a technical supplementary grant.
The meeting was attended by Minister for Power Sardar Awais Ahmad Khan Leghari, Minister for Petroleum Ali Pervaiz Malik, along with federal secretaries and senior officials from the relevant ministries, divisions and regulatory authorities.
