LAHORE: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has said commitment is required to overcome challenges like terrorism and energy crisis which are hampering the economic growth.

“It’s hard to decide whether to improve security situation or to overcome energy crisis,” said the prime minister at the inaugural ceremony of the 10th Pakistan Auto Show at Expo Centre here on Thursday. The three-day show has been organised by Pakistan Association of Automotive Parts and Accessories Manufacturers (PAAPAM).

The prime minister promised fast track solutions to the issues confronting the auto industry.

“Provision of equal opportunities and a conducive environment for businesses is government’s duty because if trade and industry thrive, the whole country prospers,” said the prime minister while asking accompanying Federal Commerce Minister Khurram Dastagir to discuss with the stakeholders issues like trade with India, imposition of GST on locally manufactured tractors, import of used cars etc.

“No correspondence, minister Sahib. Please sit with the industry people, listen to their grievances, redress the same on the spot if possible ….” said Sharif.

The government would extend all-out cooperation to the auto industry’s endeavour to develop made in Pakistan or national car, said the prime minister while advising the organisers to further improve the standards of the event on the pattern of Geneva auto show and other such international exhibits.

Nawaz Sharif said seven years projects worth $32.69bn had been finalised in collaboration with China which would attract an annual foreign investment of $4bn.

Earlier, PAPS Chairman Syed Nabeel Hashmi called for setting up an independent engineering export promotion board while highlighting the need to market the country as an engineering destination.

Federal Commerce Minister Khurram Dastagir said on the occasion that Expo Centre expansion was on the cards.

More than 150 local and international exhibitors are attending the event, featuring cars, antiques, trucks, buses, tractors, rickshaws, motorcycles and heavy bikes, besides auto parts manufacturers, service suppliers, machinery makers and toolmakers.

The show will remain open from 10am to 8pm on Friday and Saturday (March 7, 8).