EV policy to support 'Made in Pakistan' approach

Commerce adviser says imports will be discouraged, jobs will be provided

ISLAMABAD: A 'Made in Pakistan' approach will be supported in each policy including that of electric vehicles (EVs) manufacturing, which is the only way forward, said Adviser to PM on Commerce, Textile, Industries and Production Abdul Razak Dawood.

Chairing the 30th meeting of the Auto Industry Development Committee (AIDC), organised by the Engineering Development Board (EDB) to discuss the local production of EVs, Dawood said that imports will be discouraged and the youth will be provided jobs while aiming to achieve environmental goals in the country.

The PM aide also emphasised that the policy will be prepared to best suit the needs of our country. He said that the investments made in auto parts manufacturing will also be safeguarded.

Highlighting the importance of EVs, Dawood added that synchronised efforts are required to shift to EVs in order to achieve the best possible results.

New policy: Electric vehicles a turning point for Pakistan's auto sector

Responding to a query by the Pakistan Automotive Manufacturers Association (PAMA), the adviser announced that the EV policy is the domain of the Ministry of Industries and Production (MoIP) as per Rules of Business and EDB has been designated the secretariat of EV Policy.

He also authorised the preparation of policy to EDB and submission of first draft within a months' time.

Additionally, various tariff and non-tariff proposals were discussed in the meeting. The participants were of the view that the adviser should allow 15-20 days for submission of concrete proposals on local manufacturing of EVs.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 18^th, 2020.

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