Electronic industry: National electronic policy draft prepared by EDB

[Naveed Yaseen]

IQBAL MIRZA
KARACHI (November 01 2009): The Engineering Development Board (EDB) has prepared a draft for the national electronic policy, with the assistance of a German expert, Dr Franz Thum, for promotion of electronic industry in the country. The objective of the policy is to give a boost to the electronic industry which supplies key products with own brands in consumer electronics and industrial automation, capturing a major share of the home market and provide basis for exports.

The draft was presented to the working group on electronics set-up in the EDB. After incorporating the inputs from stakeholders, departments and ministries, the policy will be submitted to the Economic Co-ordination Council (ECC) for approval.

Recently, a meeting was held here under the chairmanship of Asad Elahi, Chief Executive Officer of EDB, to discuss issues related to automotive industry and increasing relationship between the original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and parts manufacturers (vendors), improving growth in the auto sector and increasing localisation of auto parts, etc.

The meeting was attended by top leadership of vehicle assemblers and parts manufacturers. Both segments of the auto industry appreciated the role played by the government in continuing to give policy support to the industry to absorb the shocks of the global recession which severely affected all segments of the economy and industry.

A memorandum of understanding (MoU) has been signed by EDB for co-operation in the development and promotion of engineering industry of Pakistan with the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (Unido) in the areas of Clean Development Mechanism (CDM), Trade Related Technical Assistance (TRTA), productivity enhancement, effective resource utilisation, wastage reduction and building environment protection system through CDM.

The EDB, with the support of FBR/PRAL, prepare On-line quota debiting system for computerised clearance through "One-Customs" on the import of sub-components, components, sub-assemblies and other specified equipment. The EDB has been provided access to the "One-Customs" system to facilitate proper debiting of quota allowed to vendors and OEMs.

EDB has also prepared a five-year export plan and in this connection a working group has been formed to formulate medium- and long-term export plans for engineering industry. The group would deliberate on various issues and problems confronting the engineering sector at the sub-sectoral level, and develop a National Engineering Exports Development Strategy (NEEDS) to achieve a quantum leap in export growth.

The working group would also deliberate on the methodology of production data, import data, export data, exportable surplus, quality and standards, manufacturing practices, managerial capability, financial issues, certifications involved, analysis of target market, strengths and weaknesses, analysis of regulatory and facilitation environment, marketing, market access and analysis of commercial practices. The EDB is working on many fronts for improving productivity and exports of engineering goods and pursuing the concept of public-private partnership.

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