`The auto industry of Pakistan has come a long way in the last two decades and has the potential to be the backbone of Pakistan's manufacturing base going forward. Apart from its contribution to the GDP and technology transfer, the sector has become one of the largest revenue generators and a significant provider of employment opportunities for the emerging youth,' said Saquib Shirazi, the new Chairman, Pakistan Automotive Manufacturers Association.
At a farewell dinner hosted in honor of the outgoing Chairman, Mr. Hirafumi Nagao, a large number of Past Chairmen and PAMA members gathered to appreciate the contributions of the recently retired MD of Pak Suzuki. In his farewell address, Mr. Nagao himself remarked that “PAMA has played a positive role in strengthening the auto sector of Pakistan by engaging proactively with the government on policy matters. Of the many initiatives, the current AIDP has already started delivering. Production of cars, tractors, LCVs and motorcycles have reached new heights and, given Pakistan's population, the potential is bright. On the back of stable economic policies, the sector can grow and attract more investment.”
Mr. Ali S Habib, an industry leader and Past Chairman, also praised the efforts of Mr. Nagao, who has served in Pak Suzuki for nearly 20 years and contributed heavily to the development of the auto industry. 'Services of Mr. Nagao to the auto industry of Pakistan will always be remembered, especially for his efforts towards localization and ongoing vendor development, which is turning out to be the launch pad for the sector's growth,' he added.
Mr. Waheed, DG PAMA, welcomed the new EC committee comprising of Mr. Saquib H. Shirazi as Chairman, Mr. Yoshihiro Kondo as Senior Vice Chairman and Mr. Sohail Bashir Rana as Vice Chairman. He expressed his confidence that under their leadership, PAMA will further the objectives of the industry. He also welcomed the other elected members of the Executive Committee of PAMA for year 2017-18 namely Mr.Ali Asghar Jamali of Indus Motors, Mr. Masafumi Harano of Pak Suzuki, Col. Zafaruddin of Sigma Motors, Mr. Muazzam Pervaiz Khan of Gandhara Industries, Mr. Jahanzeb Khan of Master Motors, Mr. Shahid Naseem of Omega Industries and Mr. Fahad Iqbal of Ravi Automobiles.
