Automobile sector has key importance in economy: secretary.

LAHORE -- Provincial Industries and Commerce Department Secretary Dr Ahmed Javed Qazi said on Sunday that automobile industry enjoyed a key position in the national economy, and effective steps were being taken to increase its share in the GDP and get its proper share in the global market.

This sector, he added, was providing opportunities to value-added exports; therefore, the Punjab government was providing all possible support for development of this industry.

Addressing an industrial symposium, organised by the Pakistan Association of Automotive Parts and Accessories Manufacturers (PAAPAM) here at the Expo Center, he said 10 special economic zones were functional in the province, while recommendations had been sent to the federal government for three new special economic zones. "There are vast opportunities for domestic and foreign investors in these special economic zones. There are also 24 small industrial estates for investors in the province," he added.

Qazi said that the University of Engineering and Technology (UET) Lahore was contributing much to promote automobile and engineering sector and the...