Malaysian automaker to start production in Pakistan by first half of 2021
Statesman Report
ISLAMABAD: Malaysian auto giant Proton, would open its production facility in Pakistan in the first half of 2021, in Karachi. Whereas, Pakistan's national carrier PIA will be adding a new direct flight destination soon from Lahore to Kuala Lumpur.
“Both leaders recalled the symbolic ground breaking of the Proton Assembly Plant jointly officiated in Islamabad on 22 March 2019, and were pleased to note the progress made at the facility in Karachi, scheduled for completion in the first half of 2021. They were further pleased with the joint venture between Malaysia's Proton Holdings and Pakistan's Al-Haj Automotive that add value with the commencement of selling Malaysian-made Proton vehicles (CBU) in Pakistan in the second half of 2020, and eventually, assembly and sale of Pakistan-made Proton vehicles (CKD) in Pakistan in the first half of 2021," said FO in a statement.
The plant in Karachi would be Proton's first production facility in the South Asian region.
Last year, the Malaysian government handed over a Proton X70 car to government of Pakistan as a gift to Prime Minister Imran Khan from his Malaysian counterpart Dr Mahathir Mohamad.
Prime Minister of Malaysia Dr Mahathir Mohamad during his visit to Pakistan in March this year had announced gifting of a unit of the Proton X70 to Prime Minister Imran Khan.
Apart from investment in auto sector, both Malaysia and Pakistan agreed for an institutional collaboration in the area of halal food and services, and consumer products, including by leveraging on their comparative advantages with a view to increase their global market share in this area.
Both countries will explore new possible areas of cooperation in trade and investment, such as renewable energy, natural resources, aerospace and aeronautical, digital technology, artificial intelligence and e-commerce.
Meanwhile, in addition to its existing direct ISB/KUL/ISB sector, Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) will be adding a new direct flight destination soon from Lahore to Kuala Lumpur in order to cater to the increasing number of Pakistani travellers to Malaysia.
Whereas, Malaysia Airlines will give due consideration to enter into a code-sharing arrangement for the existing ISB/KUL/ISB sector operated by PIA, as proposed by the latter.