Minister for Defence Production visits Heavy Industries Taxila

Islamabad, January 08, 2014 (PPI-OT): Minister for Defence Production Rana Tanveer Hussain visited Heavy Industries Taxila today. He was accompanied by Secretary Ministry of Defence Production Lt Gen ® Tanvir Tahir. On arrival at HIT, the Minister was received by Chairman Heavy Industries Taxila, Lt. Gen Wajid Hussain.

The Minister was given a detailed briefing at the conference room and Chairman HIT in his opening remarks talked about the projects undertaken by HIT and expected profit share in market. He also discussed in detail the welfare projects being initiated by HIT for civilian welfare.

Financial problems faced by HIT were also brought to the notice of the minister who said that the problems will be resolved at the earliest. He also assured that the government is business friendly and the sector of defence production has a lot of potential. He said that the industry will now be run on the lines of the international defence industries and favorable study and research on different models is underway.

Gen Wajid also added that the initiative of the minister for getting the first right of refusal implemented in letter and spirit is reaping its benefits. This is helping in generating revenue.

The minister inquired about the export targets fixed by HIT to which the Chairman HIT replied that he is doing his utmost to enhance the scope and grab the due share in international market. The minister further desired that export targets need to be met and potential of international markets may be explored fully.

It was informed that indigenization policy is helping HIT save huge amounts and the localization of fire and gun control system has helped save heavy amounts as the cost of production of it at HIT is 1/6th of that produced in international market.

The minister was happy to know that the APCs provided to Law Enforcement Agencies in Karachi which were used in the first operation back in early 2000s and are still in good shape. The credit for it goes to HIT that provide the maintenance facility.

The Minister evinced keen interest in the factories and their production capability during his visit to Tank, Gun and APC Factories.

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Haji Ahmed Malik
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