Federal Minister for Environment visits Indus Motor - May 20, 2009 Federal Minister for Environment, Mr Hameed Ullah Jan Afridi, recently visited Indus Motor Company (IMC). During his visit, the Minister was given a detailed presentation by the Indus Motor management team followed by a tour of the manufacturing facilities, including the Waste Water Treatment Plant. He reviewed the Company’s progress with a keen interest on environmental initiatives. Mr Afridi visited a display of locally made auto parts and commended Indus Motor and Toyota Motor Corporation for bringing the latest automotive technology to Pakistan. Mr Afridi was also the Chief Guest at IMC’s Annual Suppliers Convention 2009, with the theme ‘Peaks & Valleys”. The convention was attended by guests from Japan, House of Habib, IMC’s Vendors and Suppliers, Dealers, business partners, representatives from the automobile industry and the management of IMC. During his speech, Mr Afridi recognized how the quality standards and cost optimization embedded in Toyota’s Production and Marketing Systems have made Toyota the fastest growing and most profitable automobile company in the world. He further added that in this challenging environment, Indus Motor is playing an outstanding supporting role in sustaining the auto industry and its suppliers. Mr Ali S Habib, Chairman, IMC, in his address, highlighted that the auto industry is one of the key engines of economic growth. However he mentioned that carmakers around the world are amongst the hardest hit by the global economic downturn with governments stepping in to provide assistance. Pakistan is also facing a challenging economic environment and the auto sector which has played a significant role in the country’s development is facing an unprecedented decline. However he was hopeful that sales would pick up in coming years with the assistance from the government which should develop long term policies that are sustainable and in the national interest. He requested the government to remove taxes and duties imposed on the auto sector that are hindering growth, investment, technology transfer and local manufacturing.