LAHORE: National Assembly Member Shaista Pervaiz Malik and Italian Ambassador in Pakistan Stefano Pontecorvo inaugurated the Pakistan Auto Show 2018 at the Expo Centre in Lahore on behalf of the Federal Minister Pervaiz Malik. The event has been organised by the Pakistan Association of Automotive Parts and Accessories Manufacturers (PAAPAM) and will run from March 2-4 2018.
This event features more than 200 exhibitors comprising of local and international auto-manufacturers and related enterprises. PAAPAM represents over 3000 large, medium and small industries all over Pakistan. This year’s show is themed “MAKE IN PAKISTAN”.
This ground-breaking exhibition highlights the tremendous growth and enormous potential of Pakistan’s automobile industry. Along with being the cheapest source of tractors in the world, Pakistan is on target to becoming the future hub for auto manufacturing.
While addressing the media at the inaugural ceremony, the chief guest National Assembly Member Shaista Pervaiz Malik and Provincial Minister for Industries Punjab Shiekh Ala-ud-din stated “The automobile industry of Pakistan is a cornerstone of the national economy. It not only vitalises the economy but plays an essential role in elevating Pakistan’s image as a progressive country with a thriving industrial base. The government’s strong commitment to this industry helps to encourage large-scale investments and creates a business-friendly environment for the automotive and engineering sectors as well. I offer my heartiest congratulations to our local industrialists and engineers who have achieved remarkable success in establishing a robust engineering sector, which is generating remarkable new opportunities for value-added exports.”
Pakistan Auto Show 2018 Chief Organiser and PAAPAM former chairman Syed Nabeel Hashmi said “Pakistan Auto Show 2018 is setting new benchmarks and trends for the automotive industry. Today, this mega event attracts more than 100,000 visitors a day from all over Pakistan and internationally. Over 275 international buyers and well over 400 international visitors will be attending the largest auto show in Pakistan.”
People are passionate about seeing the latest revolutionary technologies being deployed in Pakistan. Some of the participants this year include global automobile brands, along with spare-parts manufacturers, component suppliers, Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM vendors), automobile traders, investors, buyers and enthusiasts, who want to expand their business networks and gain more information about the innovations and products in this sector.”
Pakistan Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (PCSIR) Dr Imran Kaleem said, we offer engineering, mechanical and technical training and development courses including diplomas to students. While responding to a question about the recent boom in the auto industry, he said “We have definitely seen a rise in the number of people interested in pursuing a career in the auto industry. In order to cater to the increased demand, we have laid out a precise plan to produce quality labour force.” He added that Pakistan Auto Show is crucial for raising awareness and providing opportunities for the upcoming generation.
NNA Economic Correspondent Dota Endo, a Japanese journalist, while commenting on the recent restrictions placed by the Government of Pakistan on imports of second-hand cars said that Pakistan’s policies are unstable. Such an abrupt decision to place restrictions is terrible for business and its long-term sustainability. The government needs to prepare long-term plans and support industries accordingly.
An attendee at the event on terms of anonymity said that the arrival of Chinese manufactured cars in Pakistan will oppose a serious threat to the local players in the next 4-5 years. “For quite a long time Japanese brands in Pakistan have enjoyed a monopoly but with all the newcomers exhibiting at the show today, they might just soon break the much-enjoyed monopoly.”
The inaugural day at the show, saw an overwhelming response from industry stakeholders, international large-scale buyers and diverse consumer segments, as the Pakistan Auto Show features; cars, tractors, trucks, buses, 4X4, motorcycles, three wheelers and exotic cars, while promoting a wide array of advanced technologies and solutions, including; engines, casting, forging, sheet metals, jigs and fixtures, along with electronics, car-paints, tools, tires, batteries, plastic parts, rubber parts and accessories.
A plethora of companies from around the world participated in the show including leading auto manufacturers from England, USA, UAE, Japan, China, Germany, France, Turkey, Thailand, Taiwan and Sri Lanka.
