ISLAMABAD, March 8: Minister for Industries, Production and Special Initiatives Jahangir Khan Tareen on Thursday reviewed the activities and preparations undertaken by the Engineering Development Board (EDB) for organising Pakistan’s biggest ever participation at world’s leading technology exhibition Hannover 2007.

The EDB is fielding a strong group of 70 engineering sector companies in four different technology categories - subcontracting, industrial automation, energy and compressed air and vacuum technology - this year, said an EDB press release.

Reviewing the outcome of Hannover 2006, the minister expressed his satisfaction over the post-Hannover export performance of participating companies, majority of which had started exporting to European and Middle East countries.

The minister appreciated the efforts of four companies which had been successfully entered into joint ventures, technical collaboration and licencing agreement in different areas.

The minister advised the EDB to carry out in-depth post-Hannover analysis of the auto sector companies to ascertain their performance and technological requirements.

Mr Tareen was apprised of the export orders executed and the export enquiries being negotiated by various companies. He expressed satisfaction over the arrangements being made by the EDB and outcome of participation of engineering industry in Hannover 2006.

The meeting was attended by Secretary Industries Production and Special Initiatives Shahab Khawaja, EDB CEO Imtiaz Rastgar and chairman organizing committee on Hannover Syed Nabeel Hashmi.