KARACHI: Construction of South Asian Association Regional Cooperation (SAARC) headquarters building in Pakistan is underway and it is honour for the country and the business community, said Iftikhar Ali Malik, Chairman of United Business Group UBG. Addressing members of executive committee of FPCCI at the an event organized by All Pakistan Fruit & Vegetable Exporter, Importer and Merchant Association on Monday, Malik said that SAARC headquarters was grabbed from India and its construction was in full swing as its fourth storey was being constructed. He said he believes in serving business community rather than lip servicing.” I fully support young leaders because they are the future of Pakistan. Young business leaders have capabilities to strengthen economy of the country”, Malik added. SM Munir, Patron-in-Chief of UBG, said that measures have been taken to export fruits and vegetables to Iran and Russia. “We will benefit from Waheed Ahmed’s experience and research to enhance exports from Pakistan”, he said adding “presence of Pakistani fruits in Russian market is the result of efforts of Waheed Ahmed”. Waheed Ahmed, patron in Chief of All Pakistan Fruit & Vegetable Exporter, Importer and Merchant Association and candidate for Vice President said that the credit to open Chinese market for Pakistani exporters goes to SM Munir. “He supported us to market Pakistani fruits in Russia. In future Russia and China could be biggest market for our products”, he added. Ahmed stressed for research and development R&D in Pakistan to enhance horticulture products and exports. “We will strive hard to complete the tasks in a year which were not even done in 70 years at FPCCI”, Ahmed asserted. Chairman, All Pakistan Fruit & Vegetable Exporter, Importer and Merchant Association, Aslam Pakhali, informed that due to personal efforts and leadership of Waheed Ahmed the fruits exports have increased from $150 million to $700 million. “He gave vision to small exporters of fruits and vegetables and took them to international markets. He brought hotwater treatment plant from Holland”, he added. Presidential candidate of UBG for election 2017, Ghazanfar Bilour said that economy of the country was facing turbulent situation as input costs have increased the cost of doing business. “We have asked the Prime Minister to cut down electricity rates for which he has sought suggestions for increasing exports. The suggestions will soon be made by consulting with the stakeholders and will be submitted to PM”, Bilour noted. He said that the country needs to focus on value addition and unless 7 percent growth target is achieved the country will not considered economically strong enough. Published in Daily Times, December 26th 2017.