ISLAMABAD, March 27: Minister of State for Information Technology Raza Ahmad Hiraj Thursday said the upcoming WTO regime posed great challenges to the local industry and consolidated efforts, both from the public and private sector, were required to deal with the situation in future.

The minister was speaking at the closing of the 10th HVAC annual expo and conference held here and was attended by 65 top Pakistani companies from all over the country engaged in heating, air-conditioning, refrigeration, compressor and cooling system.

“We not only have to improve the standard of our products but also need to keep the prices competitive to the international markets.

These objectives could be achieved by adopting modern technology. We have to keep in mind that without complying with the WTO demands, we would never be able to enhance our exports,” the minister said.

“The HVACR industry is playing a vital role in our national economy and its role in food processing, dairy, pharmaceuticals, textile, plastic and other industries is also highly appreciable,” Raza Hiraj said.

The minister expressed the hope the HVACR will continue its efforts for the promotion of this sector and national economy as well.