$5 billion exports eyed: PAAPAM to launch ''export coaching programme'' with Dutch help

Pakistan Association of Automotive Parts & Accessories Manufacturers (PAAPAM) is going to launch ''Export Coaching Program'' with the assistance of Dutch authorities to escalate automotive parts exports up to $5 billion in next five years. Speaking to a select group of mediapersons on the sidelines of Pakistan Auto Show (PAS) 2016, being organised by PAAPAM at the Expo Centre, Lahore, senior vice chairman Mashood Ali Khan said PAAPAM has planned to sign an agreement with Dutch authorities in April to introduce ''Export Coaching Program'' in Pakistan.
He said PAAPAM was presently contributing $150 million, approximately per annum in national kitty and after the implementation of the said initiative; a leap jump of $5 billion in automotive parts exports was being expected in next five years. He said that global after sales market was presently around $6000 billion per annum and association was striving to grab prodigious share from it through this program. For the purpose, the PAAPAM has already established two state-of-the-art training centers at Karachi and Lahore, he said; adding that 50 members, who would meet the criteria, drafted by PAAPAM in consultation with Netherlands'' authorities, would initially get enrolled for the program. Mashood also hoped that this program would also facilitate other export-oriented sectors to contribute more in the national economy.
He apprised that although the quality and standards of locally manufactured automotive parts had been improved after localization in Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), the industry despite having global recognition was unable to yield maximum fruits so far. He also stressed upon the need of adopting international practices to compete with global players.
Keeping this in view, the PAAPAM has decided to provide a platform for training of its 350 members hence they are signing an agreement with Dutch authorities to provide export coaching to its members for next three years; he said. He answered that Ministry of Commerce and Trade Development Authority of Pakistan were patronising the program and added that automotive industry, which was the highly value added industry, could only boost Pakistan''s large scale manufacturing to over 6-7 percent.
Over the years, the Pakistan Auto show has emerged as the most resourceful platform for enabling a Paradigm-Shift in Pakistan''s automotive industry. This Mega event attracts relevant government departments, regulators, precision-engineering experts, raw material suppliers, used-car dealers, service, repairs, body-work professionals, automobile financing companies and other service providers.
The show features cars, tractors, trucks, buses, 4X4, Motorcycles, three wheelers and exotic cars, while promoting a wide array of advanced technologies and solutions including engines, casting, forging, sheet metals, jigs & fixtures, along with electronics, car-paints, tools, tires, batteries, plastic parts, rubber parts and accessories. Around 130 exhibitors - 30 of them are foreigners, participating in the event. The participating companies are Toyota, Honda, Suzuki, Isuzu, Hino, UD Nissan and Yamaha from Japan, Massey Ferguson Tractors and FAW trucks & cars from China and other countries.