LAHORE: Pak Suzuki Motor Company Limited Managing Director and CEO Hiroshi Kawamura on Thursday said the automaker was looking forward to a new national auto policy that promotes greater localisation of vehicle parts, stressing the role of foreign investment in strengthening Pakistan’s industrial base.
Speaking to reporters at the SME Cluster Expo in Lahore, Kawamura said Suzuki was continuing to support the development of local vendor companies to help them meet global manufacturing standards.
“Foreign investment is vital not only for bringing in capital but also for transferring technology and building long-term industrial capability,” he said, adding that Pakistan’s economy required strong small and medium enterprises (SMEs) alongside strong international partners.
He praised the Small and Medium Enterprise Development Authority (SMEDA) for organising the expo, saying it played a key role in linking SMEs with large industries and creating new business opportunities.
The event, organised by SMEDA in collaboration with the Ministry of Industries, featured more than 170 micro, small and medium enterprises showcasing their products and exploring partnerships.
SMEDA Director Mashood Khan said SMEs were the backbone of Pakistan’s economy, employing nearly 25 million people and contributing about Rs2.8 billion in exports.
“SMEs are not small in impact. Their potential is vast, but it requires timely and bold policy measures to unlock,” Khan said, noting that small businesses had shown resilience during the Covid-19 pandemic by localising production and filling supply gaps.
He added that the expo had generated strong interest from national companies and consumers, with many entrepreneurs securing orders and sales, and was expected to lead to further collaboration and growth.