August 27, 2021: The Advisor to the Prime Minister on Commerce and Investment, Abdul Razzak Dawood held a meeting with the members of Pakistan Mobile Phone Manufacturers Association (PMPMA) and other leading manufacturers and assemblers of the mobile phones on 26th August, 2021.
The meeting was also attended by Additional Secretary, Ministry of Commerce and Chairman, Engineering Development Board (EDB). The agenda of the meeting was to discuss the exports opportunities available to the local manufacturers and assemblers of mobile phones.
The Advisor briefed the participants about the incentives given by the Government to the local mobile manufacturers and assemblers through the Mobile Device Manufacturing Policy, 2020. It has also been highlighted those additional incentives have also been given to the mobile industry to spur localization so that much needed jobs opportunities could be created.
He reiterated the importance given by the Government to the “Make in Pakistan” led economic growth. In order to achieve this end not only the tariff structure has been rationalized by creating a tariff differential between Completely Built Up Unit (CBU) and Completely Knocked Down (CKD) and Semi Knocked Down (SKD) kits.
He highlighted the incentives given to the exporters through Export Facilitation Scheme, 2021. The Advisor stressed the need to scale up the production capacity so that exportable surpluses could be generated. The companies should also share their investment plans so that procedural hindrance, if any, could instantly be addressed.
The Advisor was of the view that mobile exports should meet the target of US $ 1 Billion in line with the incentives given by the Government. The participants of the meeting acknowledged the incentives given by the Government to the local mobile manufacturers and assemblers of mobile phones. They were of the view that if current trends continue, they will reach the exports target set by the Government. However, they emphasized continuity of the policies and rebates to the exporters which should be at par with the other regional countries. The Advisor assured them that current policies would continue and additional incentives would also be given if export targets are met by the mobile manufacturers and exporters.
The advisor said that as mobile imports are going down, it's very encouraging to see that they are manufactured in Pakistan. It's also creating new job opportunities for the locals and saving millions of dollars.
Advisor added we have a population of 22 million people with 50 to 55% youth. We need to focus on pro industrialization policies to create jobs for them. The only way forward is the” Make in Pakistan” Philosophy.
Advisor stated that, Prime Minister Imran Khan has the vision of Digital Pakistan, and it can be only achieved once the smartphones are affordable and accessible for everyone.
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