LAHORE: The three-day Pakistan Auto Show 2020 was jointly inaugurated on Friday by Engineering Development Board (EDB) chairman Almas Hyder, FPCCI president Anjum Nisar and LCCI president Irfan Iqbal respectively.

Organised by the Pakistan Association of Automotive Parts and Accessories Manufacturers (Paapam), the country’s largest auto show — with the theme ‘Make in Pakistan’ — features more than 100 exhibitors comprising local and international auto-manufacturers and related enterprises.

“The automobile industry of Pakistan is a cornerstone of the national economy. It not only vitalises the economy but plays an essential role in elevating Pakistan’s image as a progressive country with a thriving industrial base,” Hyder said during the inaugural event. “I offer my heartiest congratulations to our local industrialists and engineers who have achieved remarkable success in establishing a robust engineering sector, which is generating remarkable new opportunities for value-added exports.”

“People are passionate about seeing the latest revolutionary technologies being deployed in Pakistan. Some of the participants this year include global automobile brands, along with spare-parts manufacturers, component suppliers, OEM vendors, automobile traders, investors, buyers and enthusiasts, who want to expand their business networks and gain more information about the innovations and products in this sector,” said Paapam chairman Captain (retired) Muhammad Akram.

Speaking on the occasion, former Paapam chairman Syed Nabeel Hashmi said, “The show is setting new benchmarks and trends for the automotive industry. This mega event is expected to attract more than 100,000 local and foreign visitors. Over 200 international buyers are attending the show.”

“At this moment, I would ask the government to prepare a long-term plan and support the auto industry accordingly,” Hashmi added.

A large number of visitors thronged the show where leading auto and accessories manufacturers displayed their products. Youngsters showed keen interest in the current prices of cars, jeeps, tractors and spare parts manufactured by several companies in Pakistan.

“We have come here to see and check price of cars and family wagons manufactured by various companies,” Shakil Musatafa, a visitor who came at the event with his family. Aslam Khan, another visitor, was of the view that such events should be held on quarterly basis.

Talking to Dawn, LCCI president said, “We offer engineering, mechanical and technical training and development courses. We have definitely seen an increase in the number of people interested in pursuing a career in the auto industry. In order to cater to the increased demand, we have laid out a precise plan to produce quality labour force.”

Published in Dawn, February 22nd, 2020