LAHORE, Sep 20 (APP):Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal has stressed the need to strengthen Pakistan’s manufacturing base, enhance productivity and promote export-oriented industries to put the national economy on the right track. Addressing at Pakistan International Auto Show at expo center here on Sunday, he said the automotive industry, whose foundations had been laid over the past four decades, was now producing impressive results and …
Ahsan Iqbal calls for stronger manufacturing base to boost exports
LAHORE, Sep 20 (APP):Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal has stressed the need to strengthen Pakistan’s manufacturing base, enhance productivity and promote export-oriented industries to put the national economy on the right track.
Addressing at Pakistan International Auto Show at expo center here on Sunday, he said the automotive industry, whose foundations had been laid over the past four decades, was now producing impressive results and had become an important part of the country’s industrial base.
He said Pakistan’s economy depended on the manufacturing sector and the country had set a target of achieving $100 billion in exports by 2035. “We will have to take further measures to achieve this target,” he added.
Ahsan Iqbal said the country had suffered considerably because of the growing influence of the “import mafia” and “property mafia”, which, he said, had adversely affected Pakistan’s economic direction.
He stressed that the country’s productive structure needed to be strengthened and productivity, quality and innovation brought up to international standards.
He also called for aligning domestic production with research and development.
Citing the examples of Nokia and BlackBerry, the minister said companies that failed to adapt to changing circumstances could fall behind.
He termed the Pakistan Association of Automotive Parts and Accessories Manufacturers (PAAPAM) a national asset and called for further strengthening the association and the automotive sector.
The minister said Pakistan needed to develop itself as an export-oriented platform and avoid relying on outdated formulas. He stressed the need to protect and promote productive industries through sound economic development policies.
He said the government and private sector would have to work together to promote value addition, assuring manufacturers of the government’s full support in this regard.
Ahsan Iqbal said manufacturers would soon be given an opportunity to meet Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to discuss their concerns and proposals.
He also stressed the need to provide a level playing field as part of tariff reforms.
