ISLAMABAD: Exports of engineering products in the last fiscal year 2017-18 registered about 21 per cent growth as compared to the previous year of 2016-17.
Engineering goods worth $190.633 million were exported during the period 2017-18 as compared to the exports of $158.610 million in the same period last year, a senior official of the Ministry of Commerce and Textiles revealed on Thursday.
He said that during this period, auto parts and accessories worth $15.546 million were exported against $12.55 million in the same period last year.
The official said electric fans worth $23.826 million were exported in FY18 as compared to the exports of fans worth $25.298 million in the last fiscal year.
Replying to another question, he said the government had decided to revive the Engineering Development Board (EDB) to concentrate on engineering products for increasing exports in this sector.
“We have planned to evolve a new roadmap for the promotion of engineering industry,” he said, adding that it was the top priority of the government to increase engineering exports, besides the export of auto parts, motorcycles, air conditioners and other products.
The government, he said, would give priority to promotion of export-led growth and would reduce dependence on imports.
“We have identified several sectors to boost country’s exports,” he said. “Primarily, we are focusing on increasing exports in engineering and Information Technology, and innovated technology by enhancing their competitiveness in the global market. We would achieve the exports target for the economic development and prosperity.”
To a question, the adviser said the government was committed to enhancing exports and increasing manufacturing in engineering sector.
“We would focus on promoting “made in Pakistan” goods and discourage imports,” he remarked.
