The Auto Industry Development Committee (AIDC) has reportedly decided to take over Electric Vehicle (EV) Policy as Ministry of Climate Change does not have the requisite expertise, well informed sources told Business Recorder.
The decision was taken at the recent meeting of the committee, presided over by the Prime Minister Advisor on Commerce, Industries and Production and Investment, Abdul Razak Dawood. AIDC was informed that EDB/ MoI&P reached initial agreement that EV Policy will be discussed among government bodies at the Ministry's level, the Ministry of Climate Change presented EV Policy before the Federal Cabinet on November 5, 2019. The Cabinet has constituted an inter-ministerial committee to further deliberate the policy. The stakeholders showed reservations to the Advisor on Industries and Production who asked them to submit their viewpoint on this issue to his office and EDB. He highlighted that EDB/ MoI&P is mandated for EV Policy formulation under rules of business.
Ali Asghar Jamali, CEO, Indus Motor Company Pvt. Ltd highlighted that EV and hybrid be included in the policy and Make in Pakistan be promoted rather than import in CBU form. He suggested that parts not being manufactured in Pakistan may be allowed at concessionary duty. Shafiq A Sheikh of Pak Suzuki endorsed the proposal of M/s Indus Motors.
He said that Suzuki's Japanese principals have shown great concern on EV Policy. He highlighted that Pakistan Standard Quality Control Authority (PSQCA) was also working on EV standards without consultation with stakeholders.
The then Secretary Industries and Production, Aamir Ashraf Khawaja who is now Secretary Climate Change, informed the meeting that the MoI&P initiated work on EV Policy formulation and designated EDB as the Secretariat of the Electric Vehicles Policy.
The sources said, in the light of discussions, the meeting unanimously decided to support EV Policy. Meanwhile, the auto assemblers submitted their reservations and proposals to the EDB in the light of discussions held in AIDC meeting which will be shared with the ECC as and when required.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2019
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