Malaysia’s Proton to start producing cars in Pakistan in 3 years

PM aide insists it will lead to turnaround of local auto industry

Adviser to Prime Minister on Commerce, Industry and Investment Abdul Razak Dawood has voiced hope that the setting up of a manufacturing unit of Proton cars in Pakistan will lead to a turnaround of the domestic auto industry.

“Now new upcoming market players will not only enhance competitiveness in the local automobile market but will also give better alternatives to consumers in terms of quality and prices,” he said while talking to APP.

The adviser said the big Malaysian automobile player Proton of ALHAJ Automotive had agreed to start manufacturing vehicles in Pakistan in the next three years.

In the current global competitive environment, “we need to bring more competition in the automobile sector in Pakistan and also need to invite more global players for investment in the sector in order to connect with the global value chain,” he said.

Replying to a question, the adviser said the Malaysian car manufacturer recently delivered Proton X70 to Pakistan government as promised by Malaysian Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad during his visit to Pakistan earlier this year.

He announced that the production of Proton cars in Pakistan was scheduled to begin in 2021 as plans were being drawn up for the assembly of several models.

“This will assist the company in achieving its long-term goal of selling 400,000 vehicles per annum by 2027,” he said. APP

Published in The Express Tribune, December 19^th, 2019.

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