RAWALPINDI, Nov 23: Minister for Industries, Production and Special Initiatives Salman Taseer has urged the Engineering Development Board (EDB) to provide necessary inputs to the engineering sector to prepare it for the comprehensive industrial policy currently being framed for rapid industrialisation.

Describing the engineering sector as one of the key elements for the economic progress of the country, he emphasised the need of accelerating the process of development in the engineering sector. He directed that the board should expand its activities so that major sub-sectors of engineering could be developed. The minister expressed these views during his visit to EDB in Islamabad, during which he was briefed on its working, achievements and future plans by Zahid Yaqoob, general manager (Policy).

Underlining the importance of the steel in the development of the engineering sector the minister said the country needed more steel mills so that raw material requirement of the industry could be met.

Chief Executive Officer of EDB Almas Haider briefed the minister on the Engineering Vision. He also highlighted various issues of the engineering sector. He said that the board was ready to present five-year tariff programme for each engineering sub-sector after successfully introducing the same in auto sector.

The minister assured full support to the EDB in meeting national targets. Secretary ministry of industries, production and special initiatives Shahab Khawaja and additional secretary Abdul Hafeez were also present in the meeting.