More than 150 companies, including several Chinese firms and Iranian automotive parts manufacturers, are set to participate in the Pakistan Auto Show which is to be held in Karachi from October 27-29. For the first time, the show will have participation from various associations across the country, such as APTMA and PASPEDA, to encourage interaction between the different sectors of the economy.Also, several Chinese firms and Iranian auto parts manufacturers are marking their debut in the exhibition. In contrast, some eminent participants which will showcase their innovations in the exhibition include Honda, SITECH, Crown Group, HACPL, and Ayesha Steel.
Besides, numerous governmental and trade entities such as Engineering Development Board, Ministry of Commerce, SMEDA, PASPIDA, GDA, TMA, PAK Wheel, Trade Key, GDA, Auto Mark, Industrial Magazine, and Time’s Trade Directory have pledged active support and engagement in this significant endeavor.
“The show is themed around ‘Synergizing Pakistan’ and the aim of the show is to highlight the hidden assets of the country in terms of value addition and manufacturing,” said the Zain Shariq, Convener of Pakistan Association of Automotive Parts & Accessories Manufacturers (PAAPAM), the organizer.
He also shared that there will be Symposium about “Synergizing Pakistan” featuring prominent members of the academia and industry as panelists and presenters on the 28th.
“The aim of the symposium is for academics and intellectuals in the country to share their views on challenges and pathways for the manufacturing talent of the country to better position itself in the local and international markets,” said Zain Shariq.
He added that “PAAPAM believes that the automotive vendor sector is the strongest and most globally competitive manufacturing base in Pakistan, spanning every technology and material.
“Our members are already exporting engineering goods manufactured locally to the tune of $200 million across 57 countries catering to various segments such as aftermarket auto parts, safety equipment, packaging, medical goods, engineered products and subcomponents.
“Based on the 21-22 industry data PAAPAM facilitates an import substitution saving of 4 billion USD annually. The nation produced approximately 8 billion worth of vehicles across all segments against an import of only 4 billion USD,” he said.
It is pertinent to mention here that local auto parts manufacturing industry with 500,000 direct and 2.4 million indirect employment is among top five tax paying industry as its annual contribution is Rs 16 billion to the national exchequer while its contribution to foreign exchange is around $15 million. The exhibition is managed by Petrol Solution.