ISLAMABAD: Air Marshal Arshad Malik, Chairman Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC) Kamra has said that aviation industry offered great potential to private sector for joint ventures, partnerships and investment and it should partner with it to further strengthen the defense capability of Pakistan. He said this while addressing business community at Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI). He visited ICCI along with a delegation to explore possibilities of collaboration with private sector.
Air Marshal Arshad Malik said that aviation industry was importing equipment and parts of millions of dollars for its manufacturing activities and private sector should come forward to meet its supplies that would save precious foreign exchange and give boost to local industry. He identified four areas as a way forward for private sector in aviation industry. He said private industry could leverage PAC facilities for manufacturing of auto parts, commercial engines and industrial gas turbines and for calibration of equipment etc.
He said private industry could invest in PAC facilities on public-private partnership basis for upgradation, modification and capacity enhancements of existing facilities and creating new facilities. He said PAC with private industry collaboration could augment its existing T-56 (Rolls-Royce) engine facility and develop new PT6 engines for aircrafts. He said private sector could supply aviation grade and aviation standard raw material, rubber, cables/wires, A/C batteries, paints, aircraft types, consumables/chemicals, metals, generators and other components to aviation industry that will save foreign exchange and strengthen local industry.
Air Marshal Arshad Malik said private industry could also undertake aviation related design and development programs like upgrading Super Mushshak aircraft, development of unmanned aerial vehicles and systems as well as systems & accessories for JF-17 aircraft. He said PAC was establishing an Educational City at Kamra and Kamra Entrepreneurship Centre and private sector should partner with it in these ventures to promote academia-industry linkages.
Speaking at the occasion, Khalid Iqbal Malik, President, Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry said that nation was proud of the contribution of PAC Kamra towards strengthening the defense of the country. He said an expert group should be formed to develop feasibilities for creating effective role of private sector in aviation industry. It should address the matters related to aviation grades, standards and certifications. He said PAC should also take other major chambers of the country on board for developing long-term public-private partnerships in aviation industry.
Khalid Malik Senior Vice President, Tahir Ayub Vice President ICCI, Khalid Javed, Tariq Sadiq, Mian Akram Farid, Zahid Maqbool, Tanvir Sultan, Naeem Siddiqui, Tauseef Zaman and others also spoke at the occasion.
