Demand for technological products, especially mobile phones, is the highest in-demand product category globally. Pakistan having a population of over 225 million demands 36 million units annually. If strategized properly our population’s strength and local demand can generate and accelerate Pakistan exports rapidly, as Pakistan produces 93% + local demand through the recently launched mobile device manufacturing policy executed successfully by Engineering Development Board (EDB).
The EDB recently organized a summit to highlight the industry’s immense potential in coordination with the Pakistan Mobile Phone Manufacturers Association (PMPMA). A total of 31 local manufacturers were present at this event. This included the biggest mobile phone manufacturers in Pakistan producing renowned brands such as Samsung, Xiaomi, ZTE, Realme, Vivo, Oppo, Tecno, Infinix, Itel, G’FIVE, VNUS, Mobo Mobile, Digit, Dcode, Nokia, VgoTel, Qmobile, E-TACHI, Club, Calme, MeMobile, Hello Tech, Gresso, Emarat, Oukitel, MaxFone, Spice Mobile, Go Mobile, Faywa, Kechaoda, Pritel, SEGO, Sparx and Xmobile.
Mian Abdur Rehman (Chairman), Muzaffar Piracha (Senior Vice Chairman), Aamir Allawala (Vice Chairman), and Zeeshan Mianoor (Deputy Vice Chairman) were present as key officials on behalf of the association.
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Federal Minister for Industries and Production Makhdoom Syed Murtaza Mahmud attended the event as the Chief Guest. The event provided a much-needed platform to all the relevant stakeholders: Mobile Device Manufacturers, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority, Government Officials from the Ministry of Industries and Production, the Ministry of Commerce, the Board of Investment, the National Tariff Commission, Telecom, the Federal Board of Revenue, and Ministry of IT. Its goal was to enhance investment and employment opportunities in the mobile assembly industry.
The event was organized to gather input from all relevant stakeholders regarding the local manufacturing of mobile phones so as to create a roadmap of development that maximized the industry’s output and benefit to the local populace. Industry experts discussed the immense potential of local production to boost the country’s economy, generate exports and provide jobs for a growing population.
In 2015, Pakistan began manufacturing mobile phones. As a third-world country and in the absence of a policy platform, the industry did not undergo a dramatic shift. Nevertheless, mobile products began to flourish in the country after 2018. Local companies invested more than $200 million in the sector. In light of this situation, the government of Pakistan formulated the country’s first mobile device manufacturing policy.
Domestic mobile manufacturing to benefit Pakistan?
Participants in the event discussed the potential of local mobile manufacturing in Pakistan with major industry experts and government officials. Officials believe the local mobile industry can add $14 billion to the national exchequer if it flourishes at a good pace and with the government’s support.
The industry has potential as Pakistan has a cheap and readily available workforce. Given the labor-intensive nature of the industry, a local mobile phone assembly plant requires a significant workforce for operation. The product can also be produced in a more cost-effective manner given the low-cost nature of the workforce. In addition, utilizing solar energy could possibly reduce the cost of energy giving additional benefits to Pakistan’s manufactured units. Competitive advantage is key in mobile phone manufacturing as compared to other products/categories.
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The participants highlighted the significance of the mobile phone industry to Pakistan’s economy and requested the government’s special focus and attention to accelerate the progress of this industry, whilst capitalizing on the export opportunity that could certainly ramp up Pakistan’s export to equate the trade deficit.