Business community opposes decision to abolish EDB

Govt decided to wind up body due to rampant corruption

MULTAN: The Business community of Southern Punjab on Sunday opposed the decision of abolishing Engineering Development Board (EDB) describing it as unjust and illogical.

EDB, an affiliate department of Ministry of Industries, was established in 1995, with an aim to strengthen engineering sector, promote exports, increase technical training and enable import substitution.



While speaking to The Express Tribune, Multan Chamber of Commerce & Industry (MCCI) President Khawaja Jalaluddin Roomi said, “Closing down any department on the charges of corruption is not a solution. We should eliminate corruption instead of eliminating an important department.” He stressed the need for taking the stakeholders on board over the matter.

He said that Engineering Development Board was playing a fundamental role in promotion of engineering sector. He expressed grave concern over the expected closure of EDB and termed it an unwise proposal.



Roomi said that closure and shifting the responsibility of EDB will derail the engineering industry, especially the auto sector will lead to inefficiency and lack of expertise would further complicate the situation, leading to stoppage of investments in auto sector, especially the vending sector.

According to reports, a high-level body, headed by Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, decided to wind up the EDB due to rampant corruption and its alleged hurdles in setting up industrial units in the country.

 

Published in The Express Tribune, July 10^th, 2017.