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FPCCI hails govt decision to ban imported vehicles

RECORDER REPORT

KARACHI: The directive of Chief Executive General Pervez Musharraf, to ban purchase of imported vehicles for official use by the government and semi-government organisations has been highly appreciated by the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry.

FPCCI President Fazal-ur-Rehman Dittu, in a statement issued here on Saturday said this initiative of the Chief Executive would not only save the much needed foreign exchange for the country but would also give impetus to the growth of local automobile industry.

He said ban on the use of imported vehicles will also provide protection to the local industry, create employment opportunities and bring down prices of the imported vehicles. This step will also send a positive signal to the foreign investors about the intentions of the present government to strengthen the local industry and develop technical skills.

Dittu said the automobile industry in Pakistan has been passing through difficult times since the very inception. The vendor industry would also get a chance to prove its worth by supplying parts in accordance with standard specifications so that it becomes an all Pakistan product, he said.

He said due to stiff competition from the imported vehicles, the loacl automobile manufacturers have to operate below installed capacity as they cannot dispose of their products in competition with the imported vehicles.