Pakistan: Auto Show attracts carmakers, Italy exploring country

Karachi - The 'PakistanAuto Show' is all set to kick-off in the country's port city of Karachi on Friday which is likely to attract a number of local and foreign firms. Pakistan's auto sector has for long been dominated by Japanese automakers Suzuki, Honda and Toyota, but with the new 'Auto Policy 2016' which offers incentives on tax and duty to new entrants, many European carmakers are eyeing this fast emerging market. That is the reason why organizers expect promising turnout in the forthcoming 'Pakistan Auto Show'.

As many as 67 international exhibitors are expected to come to Pakistan to participate in the auto show, which is being held from March 3 to 5, 2017 here at Expo Center. "Last year only six international exhibitors participated in the event, but this time the response is overwhelming. We are pleased to entertain a large complement of dignitaries from across the globe," Mashood Ali Khan, Chairman of Pakistan Association of Automotive Parts and Accessories Manufacturers (PAAPAM) has said. Khan added PAAPAM members have been visiting various countries including United States of America, Germany, China, Turkey, Korea and Italy to carry out road shows for attracting potential exhibitors to participate in this auto show.

According to the organizers the auto show is going to be a three-day event with all the auto engineering sectors assembled under one roof. Latest models from the world's leading automakers in the motorcycle, three wheeler, car, tractor, trucks and buses sectors are going to be on the display.
Industry sources believe possible manufacturers that might enter Pakistani market are Audi, Volkswagen, Fiat, Renault, Nissan, Hyundai, Kia, while Zotye, JAC, Changan, Geely and Chery are among the Chinese manufacturers eyeing Pakistan.

Stefano Pontecorvo, the Italian Ambassador to Pakistan, said last year a large number of prominent Italian companies are presently exploring Pakistan as an investment destination because it has potential to be a regional hub for exports. He was with the Italian Association of Foreign Trade Secretary General David Doninotti and several representatives of Italian companies who visited Pakistan in March 2016. Pontecorvo noted that several Italian companies, including automaker Fiat, were viewing Pakistan as the next possible investment destination. Though Fiat had made a brief foray in the 1990s, it failed to gain a foothold before the financial crisis forced the company to exit the country.
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