In an interesting turn of events, local heavy vehicle assemblers and contractors have expressed a difference of opinion on importing used vehicles. According to a local media outlet, Dawn, Contractors Association of Pakistan is pressuring the Engineering Development Board (EDB) to let them import heavy machinery and other vehicle-mounted machines older than 5 five years. The authority has asserted that they are demanding so that they can fulfil the government’s projects and for China Pakistan Economic Corridor.
Also Read: EDB To Make Automobile Quality Testing Centers In Various Cities of Pakistan
On the other hand, local heavy vehicle assemblers said that EDB should not approve the demands of the contractors, as it would not be fruitful for the local automobile industry. It is also against the spirit of Auto Policy 2016-21.
A meeting was held last week in the capital in which the contractors told the authority and the assemblers that local automobile industry is not producing eight types of vehicles, which are necessary for the construction that includes mobile cable crane and dump trucks etc. To which the assemblers replied that they are making all types of heavy machinery vehicle and if one wants any particular vehicle they can also make them on special orders as they are making for Pak Army and other construction companies.
It is pertinent to mention here that it was agreed that some machinery is not being developed in the country in a meeting held on 13 March 2018. Moreover, it was decided then that both the concerned parties will forward their proposals to EDB.
Pakistan Automotive and Manufactures Associations told EDB that last year it was also agreed that Contractors Association of Pakistan would give full details of the eight machines not being made locally with all the concerned parties; however, it never contacted any party, not even the assemblers.
Let’s wait and see how events unfold. That’s it from our side, drop your comments in the comments section below.
