Philippine President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. inaugurated the first overseas assembly plant of Sazgar Engineering Works Limited in Biñan, Laguna, on 30 October.
The Lahore-headquartered public limited company, Sazgar Engineering Works Limited, established the facility to serve as its regional hub for Southeast Asia. The expansion introduces passenger and commercial rickshaws, as well as electric vehicles, to local consumers in the Philippines. Sazgar plans to produce 12,000 rickshaws, with electric models accounting for 60% of the total production.
The new plant is 60% Filipino-owned. President Marcos Jr. noted that local tricycle drivers could save on fuel costs by switching from conventional vehicles to electric alternatives. The Philippine leader urged the company to speed up efforts to source components such as batteries and seats from local manufacturers.
Marcos Jr. stated that Sazgar has been manufacturing vehicles in Pakistan for more than three decades. He added that the company chose the Philippines as its first home outside of Pakistan and its primary hub for the Southeast Asian region. Dr. Asima Rabbani congratulated Sazgar Engineering Works Limited on the achievement.
The Pakistani automotive manufacturer currently exports three-wheelers and parts to Nigeria, Sri Lanka, Japan, and the United Arab Emirates. Sazgar exports its products to over 20 countries.
The Pakistan embassy in the Southeast Asian country stated, "Pakistan-made three-wheelers have entered the Philippine market!"
