The Malaysian auto manufacturer, Proton, has partnered with Alhaj Automotive to set up company’s first South Asian factory in Pakistan.
According to Malaysia’s High Commissioner to Pakistan Ikram Mohammad Ibrahim, an agreement was inked by Proton and Al-Haj Automotive in 2018.
Proton felt the potential for its cars in Pakistan is huge, which led to its partnership with Alhaj Automotive to establish an assembly plant near Karachi in Sindh province.
This is significant because it will be Proton’s first (assembly) plant in South Asia because the population of Pakistan’s population.
Ibrahim further claimed that Proton was Dr. Mahatir Mohamad’s brainchild during his first tenure as the prime minister, which was an important element of bilateral trade and investment relationship between the two countries.
The partnership between Al-Haj Automobile and Proton was held at Proton Motors’ head office in Kuala Lumpur on 29th August 2018.
According to the details of the agreement, Al-Haj Group will exclusively sell and assemble sedans, crossovers, SUVs, electric vehicles and hatchbacks of the Malaysian automaker in the country.
The partnership is expected to bring around $200-$300 million as an investment to Pakistan.
What to Expect?
Al-Haj would bring modern and high-tech vehicles in various categories which includes entry and mid-level sedans, crossovers/sports utility vehicles, multi-purpose vehicle, and hatchbacks.
It is worth pointing out that Proton, set up in 1983, holds a major share in the Malaysian car industry and controls British sports car maker Lotus.
Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad and his Pakistani counterpart Imran Khan are expected to witness the symbolic groundbreaking ceremony of Proton’s plant on Friday.
Dr. Mahathir will begin his three-day official visit to Pakistan today.
According to Ikram, the construction of the car plant was one of the important elements of bilateral trade and investment relationship between the two countries as Proton was Dr. Mahathir’s brainchild during his first tenure as the Prime Minister.
Both leaders, he said, would also have an in-depth discussion on efforts to increase trade relations between the two countries.
Pakistan is Malaysia’s third largest trading partner in South Asia. Ikram said Pakistan is Malaysia’s largest export market in South Asia and the third largest import destination.
“In terms of bilateral trade, Malaysia is Pakistan’s 16th largest trading partner last year,” he said.
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Bus Job A Jaye to Apply Kare Phir
Are you sure “Kuala Lumpur on 29th August, 2019” ? :)
when 7 X proton SUV will come in Pakistan. is there any tentative date. is there any expect price in Pakistan?
great opportunity for us
khoda kry juld he vacancy ay GOD is great
Longlive Pakistan Malaysia friend & business.
巴基斯坦马来西亚友谊和商务万岁。