Shahid Usman, the Parliamentary Secretary for the Ministry of Industries and Production, visited the Engineering Development Board (EDB) on Tuesday and reviewed its activities.
EDB Chief Executive Officer Engr. Khuda Bukhsh Ali, EDB's senior management and other officers attended the briefing.
Ali described the functions of EDB and achievements since its establishment in 1995. The Parliamentary Secretary was briefed on the current functions of the board, which include an advisory role to the government on industrial issues, policy formulation, market development and export promotion for the engineering sector, industry support, industrial collaboration and quality standards, specifications, adoption of vehicle regulations, etc.
Usman appreciated the efforts of EDB's management in formulating the Auto Industry Development and Export Policy (AIDEP 2021-26), the Mobile Device Manufacturing Policy, interventions for the promotion of Solar and Allied Equipment, and new initiatives for the development of the engineering sector including a New Energy Vehicles (NEV) Policy, indigenisation of agriculture implements, and a mainstream petrochemical policy.
The Parliamentary Secretary emphasised that EDB's focus on promoting innovative technologies was in line with the current government's vision. He also appreciated EDB for preparing a comprehensive policy on promoting local manufacturing and early adoption of electric vehicles, including NEVs, in the interest of a sustainable transport system in Pakistan, promoting energy efficiency and transition to clean technologies and environment in the country.
Usman appreciated EDBs' participation in international exhibitions and those organised by the board in the past. He urged that best practices, once adopted, should continue without any policy shifts.
He also appreciated EDB for shifting mobile phones from import-based to local manufacturing in addition to the efforts to localise and export in the automotive sector.
The EDB chief assured the Parliamentary Secretary they will continue to perform a facilitative role for the entire engineering sector of Pakistan.
Usman said he will facilitate the development of the industrial sector, interact more frequently with EDB in the near future, and provide maximum support for business development, industrialisation, exports and generating employment.