Karachi: Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah visited the Indus Motor Company (IMC) facility at Port Qasim, emphasizing his government’s support for the mass production of hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) and the advancement of local manufacturing under the “Make in Pakistan” initiative.
According to Chief Minister Sindh, during his tour of the state-of-the-art IMC facilities, the Chief Minister received a comprehensive briefing on the manufacturing processes including the Toyota Production System. IMC, known for its role in promoting local manufacturing, recently launched the fourth-generation Corolla Cross, marking Pakistan’s first indigenously produced hybrid electric vehicle in the SUV category with significant local content.
The visit highlighted IMC’s contributions to the automotive industry, including its recent export achievements and integration into Toyota’s global supply chain. The Chief Minister lauded IMC’s efforts, particularly noting the export of vehicles such as the Toyota Fortuner, Hilux, and Corolla Cross models, and raw materials to Egypt, which underscore IMC’s commitment to enhancing Pakistan’s presence in the global automotive market.
IMC CEO Ali Asghar Jamali discussed the importance of stable policies for sustaining growth in the sector, expressing gratitude for the government’s support which he noted has boosted the morale of his team. Jamali also highlighted IMC’s contribution to the country’s economic growth through initiatives like exporting skilled engineering talent to Japan, aiming to position Pakistan as a key hub for skilled labor in the global automotive industry.
At the end of his visit, the Chief Minister pledged continued support for the development of the automobile industry through favorable policies. He committed to aiding small and medium-scale vendor industries that supply raw materials for auto parts not currently produced in Pakistan, aiming to increase local production and reduce import dependence. These efforts, he noted, would generate more direct and indirect employment opportunities in the province.