We are here with more news on Electric Vehicle (EV) technology in Pakistan. As the Automotive Development Policy (ADP 2016-2021) expires next month, the government has started working on a new auto policy. Yesterday, Federal Minister for Industries & Production, Makhdum Khusro Bakhtyar, held consultative sessions with the Pakistan Automotive Manufacturers Association (PAMA) and Pakistan Association of Auto Parts & Accessories Manufacturers (PAAPAM) separately. Here are the details.
The Government Side
Both PAMA and PAAPAM had submitted their proposals for the Auto Industry Development & Export Plan (AIDEP), 2021-26. In the meetings, the federal minister discussed those proposals and told the stakeholders to focus on three things.
- The electric car technology
- Affordability of small cars for the lower middle class
- Local assembly of vehicles in Pakistan
The minister emphasised on reducing the prices of small cars and increasing the footprint of EVs to improve the environment and reduce the oil import bill. He invited suggestions and recommendations from both associations to achieve these goals.
Federal Minister for Industries & Production, Khusro Bakhtyar held consultative session w/representatives of Pakistan Automotive Manufacturers Association & Pakistan Association of Auto Parts & Accessories Manufacturers to discuss Auto Industry Development and Export Plan 2021-26 pic.twitter.com/m4sPLFsltv
— Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) May 19, 2021
The Auto Industry Side
Representatives from both associations, PAMA and PAAPAM, admired the government’s efforts in keeping everybody in the loop to formulate the new policy. The auto industry officials praised the government for supporting the industry during the pandemic through salary loans, investment loans, and reduced interest rates. The key players of the industry committed to play their role in the development of a better auto policy for the next five years.
Conclusion
After everything was said and done, the forum decided to hold the consultative sessions till the finalisation of AIDEP draft.
Will car prices go down in the new auto policy? How will the new policy favor EVs? There are a lot of questions in the public minds. We are expecting more updates on the new policy in the coming weeks. We’ll keep our readers posted here on PakWheels Blog and all social media channels. Good day!
