Engineering goods is identified as a new growth driver of Pakistan’s industrial development and export progress. Existing competencies provide a strong foundation to build from, and to create more competitive and export-ready firms.

The engineering goods sector strategy will support greater investment in raw material sourcing, technology upgradation, market penetration, and entrepreneurial skills, the engineering goods sector can become a significant part of the exports from the country.

Pakistan’s automobiles and electric fans subsectors, which are the focus of this strategy, have grown over the years, benefitting from this market and supportive policies and skills. This points to strong capabilities in the sector, and opportunities to strengthen exports. It is clear that there are many opportunities for both automobile and electric fan manufacturers to supply new sources of demand. Expanding the sector through trade will, therefore, require the sector to identify opportunities for building on these strengths.

Pakistan’s potential in both the automobile and electric fans subsectors lies in the proximity to regional markets – ranging from the Middle East and North Africa to Sub-Saharan Africa. The large and growing market in Africa is a particular opportunity for Pakistani firms.

The Engineering Goods Sector Export Strategy was developed on the basis of a participatory approach, during which more than 50 Pakistani industry leaders, small business owners and public sector representatives held consultations to reach consensus on key sector competitiveness issues and priority activities. These inclusive consultations were held in a hybrid model owing to the travel restrictions imposed due to COVID-19 pandemic.

Through this strategy, Pakistan’s engineering goods industry envisions the sector to:

‘Realize the enormous potential of Pakistan’s engineering goods sector through high-quality products, innovation, and new markets to drive exports and inclusive growth.’

The Strategy emphasizes the following strategic and operational objectives: