Auto sector urged to lead Pakistan’s $63bn export ambitions

Pakistan's automotive industry has been urged by the Planning Commission to move beyond domestic sales and become a significant contributor to export earnings. Officials expect the sector to play a central part in reaching the $63bn export goal under URAAN Pakistan, according to Mettis Global. The message came at a policy dialogue that brought together private sector representatives, academics, government officials and international development partners.

Ahsan Iqbal, the federal planning minister, said export-led growth ought to sit at the top of the national agenda and that Pakistan could no longer focus mainly on its home market. He put the export target at $100bn, arguing it required a basic change in how the country approaches industry, investment, infrastructure and economic policy. He also pointed to the new Auto Policy 2.0 as a tool to help the industry integrate into global markets.

He urged the private sector to take the lead, asking chambers of commerce to motivate investors to join trade delegations abroad. Industry stakeholders were also asked to draft five-year export plans, and a district-level export plan covering every region was requested. Discussion at the session covered competitiveness, investment and productivity, along with technology, infrastructure and access to overseas markets, and the dialogue is one of several consultations run by the Planning Commission.