PAAPAM wants to double exports of auto spare parts

LAHORE: Pakistan Association of Automotive Parts and Accessories Manufacturers (PAAPAM) newly-elected Chairman Syed Nabeel Hashmi expressed his determination to double exports of auto spare parts in coming time and announced to follow the 'outward looking' policy during his tenure.

Pakistan has to get its share in the international auto parts market, he said while addressing a one-day seminar/special training programme on Sunday at a local hotel for the upcoming three-day mega event of the Pakistan Auto Show 2011 to be held from October 24 at the Expo Centre in Lahore.

Nabeel Hashmi said that Pakistan has over Rs.60 billion spare parts market, but it is an irony that domestic industry has only 20 percent share in it. In domestic market, about 80 percent imported auto spare parts are in circulation, he told the gathering. He asked local assemblers to look forward towards the international market and work hard for the local industry.

"We have to prepare auto parts locally," he said, adding, "We should not ignore our presence in the huge international market."

He said that the international auto market is in trillions, and "we have no presence over there".

The Pakistan Association of Automotive Parts and Accessories Manufacturers (PAAPAM) chairman expressed special thanks to the CBI, a centre of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Netherlands for the promotion of imports from developing countries, for their support in the upcoming auto show in Pakistan. CBI expert Christopher Landuyt, who is also coordinator/trainer of trade show, also addressed the seminar, and shared his experiences with the participants.