KARACHI: Pakistan Automotive Manufacturers Association (Pama) has urged the Federal Minister for Industries Ghulam Murtaza Jatoi to start consultations with all automotive producers and parts makers while formulating a long-term auto industry development policy.

In a letter to the minister on Sept 29, Pama DG Abdul Waheed Khan stated that media reports indicate that outlines of next AIDP have been given a final shape, and the ministry would soon convene a meeting of all stakeholders for consultation.

He suggested that it would be better if draft policy is sent to stakeholders for comments as it was a universally accepted practice in case of any sector-specific policy. The concerned producers would then give their input for further improvement in the policy.

He pointed out that long-term auto policy would determine the level of participation of the auto industry in the country as investments have been kept on hold pending the announcement of the policy.

Earlier, it was reported that the draft for AIDP which was prepared before budget 2014-15 had been held back for consultations with stakeholders, but, he regretted, that there had been no consultations on the policy, and the ministry did not invite auto industry representatives in this regard.

Published in Dawn, October 1st, 2014