KARACHI: The government will soon announce automobile policy which will create a balance in the interests of all stakeholders, said Commerce Minister Khurram Dastagir Khan on Saturday.

“The new policy will focus on attracting more investment and generating maximum jobs,” said the minister while addressing the members of automobile industry after visiting various stalls at the three-day Pakistan Auto Show at the Expo Centre.Khurram said under the Strategic Framework Trade Policy, which is to be announced in couple of months, the engineering sector will enjoy priority.

He hoped that such shows would be held every year to showcase Pakistan’s auto products and boost exports.He also highlighted the measures taken by the government to revive the economy.

The minister also witnessed signing of two MoUs between Paapam and Iraq’s Chamber of Commerce and Industry for promoting Pakistani auto parts. Besides, he distributed export trophy awards among Paapam members.

Paapam Chairman Siddique Mistri apprised the minister of issues faced by the auto industry mainly increase in duties on steel imports.

He also called for allocation of funds from EDF for setting up auto parts testing centres, and for establishing display centres to showcase their products.

Khurram assured that the chairman of Paapam would be placed as member of the board of Export Development Fund (EDF) for 2016-17.

Published in Dawn, March 8th, 2015

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