Long overdue: Auto policy tabled for approval

Manufacturers required to comply with international safety standards

ISLAMABAD: The Senate Standing Committee on Industries and Production on Wednesday was informed that the Ministry of Industries and Production has tabled a long-overdue automobile policy to the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of the Cabinet for formal approval. 

“Under the new policy, the auto manufacturers in the country would be required to meet international standards of safety including introducing airbags and anti-locking braking system (ABS) even in 800cc vehicles,” Secretary Ministry of Industries and Production Muhammad Arif Azeem informed the committee.

He further said that currently, car manufacturers had no restrictions over safety measures, but would be bound to meet minimum international measures after the policy is approved. Regarding the Ramazan package at utility stores, the secretary informed the meeting that the government provided a subsidy of Rs1.328 billion.

The meeting, held under the chairmanship of Senator Hidayatullah, questioned the quality of the commodities and urged the ministry to further improve items.

Additionally, the committee recommended promoting and expanding the network of Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority (Smeda) to boost business activities for more job creation.

Smeda’s acting CEO said the organisation had very limited resources with a total annual budget of only $92 million.

Comparatively, he said, in Japan, a similar organisation had a total annual budget of $10 billion.

“Pakistan has immense potential in various fields but due to lack of resources, policies and commitment, huge chunk of the resources go to waste,” Senator Taj Haider said.

If Smeda is given more resources, it could help encouraging private entrepreneurship to exploit the potential of the country. 

Published in The Express Tribune, August 6^th, 2015.

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