Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal has stressed the need for strengthening the country's manufacturing base and promoting export-oriented industries to put the economy on the right track.

He was addressing the Pakistan International Auto Show in Lahore today.

The minister said the automotive industry is producing impressive results and has become an important part of the country's industrial base.

The minister said Pakistan needs to develop itself as an export-oriented platform and avoid relying on outdated formulas.

He said the government and private sector would have to work together to promote value addition, assuring manufacturers of the government's full support in this regard.