ISLAMABAD: Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb announced on Saturday that the government is open to assisting with initiatives that promote green technology and create employment prospects within the country.

Addressing the launch event at the Expo Centre in Lahore, the minister welcomed the arrival of the BYD brand, highlighting the company’s commitment to cutting-edge technology and environmental stewardship. “BYD’s entry into our market is not just about introducing new vehicles, it’s about embracing a sustainable future,” the minister remarked.

The initiative, he said, aligns with Pakistan’s environmental goal of achieving energy efficiency. He said the government will extend support for fostering technological advancements in the automotive sector.

Additionally, he added, the presence of a major global player like BYD could enhance Pakistan’s export potential in the burgeoning electric vehicle market, aligning with national strategies to increase high-tech exports and reduce trade imbalances.

Chinese auto giant launches brand, announces Pakistan’s first EV plant

Mr Aurangzeb also asserted that the government and the industry stakeholders should work together to introduce innovations that can contribute to the country’s sustainability goals and economic stability in the coming years.

Liu Xueliang, General Manager of BYD Asia Pacific Auto Sales Division, expressed his enthusiasm about the company expanding its global reach. “Our entry into the Pakistani market is not just about bringing advanced vehicles to consumers, it’s about driving a broader vision of environmental responsibility and technological innovation”, Mr Liu said.

“We believe that our new energy vehicles will play a crucial role in shaping a cleaner and more prosperous future for both Pakistan and the world,” he remarked.

Mega Motor Company Chief Executive Officer Aly Khan commented that the company’s vision is to drive Pakistan’s future with sustainable mobility.

Mega Motors is a subsidiary of Hub Power Co Ltd.

“We aim BYD transforming how Pakistanis commute, from the cars you drive, to where you charge them, to where the energy used to charge them comes from”, Mr Khan commented.

He said Pakistan faces increasingly pressing environmental issues like air pollution and climate change, and we want to tackle these challenges head-on, aligning with the UN Global Sustainable Development Goals.

Kamran Kamal, Chief Executive Officer of The Hub Power Company Ltd, said that to bring BYD’s vision to life, we are establishing three state-of-the-art flagship stores and experience centres in Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad to showcase our commitment to quality and customer satisfaction and mirror global standards while catering for local preferences.

“In a landmark investment, we will establish Pakistan’s first new electric vehicle (NEV) assembly plant, a state-of-the-art CKD facility dedicated to producing BYD’s cutting-edge New Energy Vehicles,” he added.

Mr Kamal also announced the creation of Hubco Green — an initiative that will speed up the green mobility revolution in Pakistan.

After the recent launch of BYD and Changan electric vehicles, Sazgar Engineering Works Ltd is planning to launch a new imported entirely built-up (CBU) electric vehicle, the ‘ORA-7 EV’, soon.

Published in Dawn, August 18th, 2024