KARACHI: In a groundbreaking achievement for the Pakistani automotive industry, Master Changan Motors Ltd (MCML), a joint venture with Changan International, has successfully exported the first batch of 14 Oshan X7 SUVs to Kenya, marking a historic moment in the country’s automotive history.
This marks the first time a Pakistani automaker has entered the international market as a volume exporter of technologically advanced SUVs “Made in Pakistan.”
The historic export ceremony was held in Karachi, where the CEO of Master Changan Motors, Danial Malik, expressed his enthusiasm for this significant milestone, “We are taking our next major step to achieve our vision of making Master Changan a part of Changan’s global vehicle supply chain under the ‘Vast Ocean Plan,’ while putting Pakistan on the map for producing and exporting high-quality vehicles to the world. Kenya and Tanzania are just the beginning, as we look to expand our export volumes.”
This momentous occasion, which coincides with the 10th anniversary of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), is a testament to the deep economic cooperation between Pakistan and China.
Changan International’s Chairman, Zhu Huarong, launched the ‘Vast Ocean’ plan earlier this year, outlining a strategy to accelerate international expansion and establish Changan as a world-class brand.
The plan includes a substantial investment of US$10 billion in the overseas market, with a focus on intelligent low-carbon core technology.
Changan Automobile aims to expand its global footprint to Europe, America, the Middle East, Africa, Asia Pacific, and the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) and enter 90% of the global markets by 2030.
As a crucial part of Changan’s ‘Vast Ocean’ plan, Master Changan Pakistan will play a significant role in catering to right-hand drive (RHD) markets worldwide.
The success of exporting ‘Made in Pakistan’ vehicles is dependent on the Pakistani government’s policies to promote and incentivize the automotive industry.
While expressing gratitude to the government for the auto export policy 2021-2026, Danial Malik emphasized the need for policies that increase local production, improve economies of scale, encourage deeper localization, and enhance global competitiveness within the auto industry.
This achievement by Master Changan Motors Ltd marks a significant turning point in Pakistan’s automotive industry, showcasing the nation’s potential to produce and export high-quality vehicles to the international market. It is a testament to the strong economic partnership between Pakistan and China and a promising milestone in the ‘Vast Ocean’ plan’s vision to establish Changan as a global automotive leader.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2023