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Industrial policy soon: Ariff

Recorder Report

LAHORE: The Federal Secretary for Industries and Production, Abu Shamim Ariff, on Monday said that the government will announce a comprehensive long-term industrial policy within a couple of months.

Addressing the launching ceremony of new Suzuki car "Cultus 1000cc" here, he said that all the relevant segments of the industry are being contacted and their suggestions will be given due consideration while formulating the new industrial policy.

He further said that the government wanted to encourage local industry and in this regard, maximum incentives will be given and hurdles, if any, will be removed. He claimed that sale of small cars could not grow in Pakistan because of the price factor.

Abu Shamim Ariff congratulated the Pak-Suzuki for exporting 117 cars. He stated that the middle and lower middle classes should also be kept in mind while manufacturing automobiles and low-priced cars should be introduced. He also called for making efforts to manufacture spare auto parts locally.

Speaking on the occasion, H. Nago, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Pak-Suzuki Motor Company, said that Pak Suzuki has commenced export of locally-assembled vehicles and so far 117 vehicles have been exported. "This signifies acceptability of our vehicles in the foreign markets," he said.

He said that Pak Suzuki upgraded its Bin Qasim market in order to meet the requirements of high standards of car manufacturing. He further said that Pak-Suzuki is also introducing matching colour bumpers in 1000 cc cars for the first time with several metallic colours.

Captain Bashir Ahmed (Retd), Deputy Managing Director, Pak Suzuki Motor Company Limited, stressed the need for introducing long-term consistent policy for the automobile industry.