ISLAMABAD: Mobile phone manufacturers have criticized the government for not living up to its words and policies, which were necessary to invite a global giant like Apple to set up its unit in the country.
Addressing a mobile device manufacturing summit here on Tuesday, officials of Pakistan Mobile Phone Manufacturing Association (PMPMA) claimed that the iPhone is also ready to come to Pakistan but due to conflicting policies of the government, Hesitating.
Speakers organized by the Engineering Development Board (EDB) said that lack of policy guidelines and friction between various government departments and ministries are the biggest obstacles to the development of mobile manufacturing in Pakistan.
However, the keynote speaker Federal Minister for Industries and Production, Syed Murtaza Mahmood emphasized the need for localization of mobile phone components, cheap labor productivity and setting export targets.
He said that everyone is responsible for the current situation on the economic front, but added that long-term policies can help overcome the situation.
Around 31 mobile devices manufacturing companies showcased their technology and products including Xiaomi, Realmi, Infinix, Tecno, Itel, Alcatel, G-Five, Oppo, Vivo, Premier Code etc.
The speakers said that up to $2.6 billion has been invested in the local mobile manufacturing industry in the country.
Muzaffar Paracha, vice-chairman of the Mobile Manufacturing Association, said that China’s mobile phone exports are around $140 billion, “and the Chinese want to set up some of their units in Pakistan but only if the government provides a favorable environment for mobile manufacturers.” Provide. He added that exports in the industry could cross the $14 billion mark in three years.
“The current policy was made in 2020 and we started work in 2021 and by the end of 2022 just because of the enabling environment, we have met 95 percent of local mobile phone demands,” said Mr Pracha. Mr. Pracha added, “Mobile manufacturers want support from the government. To increase exports.
He said that except for Apple, all the big brands are in Pakistan and the IT Ministry will have to talk to them along with other stakeholders like the Industry Ministry as well as the Finance Ministry.
He said that the arrival of Apple will increase the positive sentiment in the mobile phone manufacturing sector.
Speakers said packaging for mobile sets and some accessories had been localized and as the sector developed, other related equipment such as chargers could also be made in the country, but criticized the government for backtracking on its promises.
Amirullah Wala, vice president of the Mobile Manufacturing Association, said: “We have people who want to invest in the mobile industry but they need continuity in policies, like Vietnam which exports $57 billion worth of mobile phones annually. was only because they followed the policy offered to the company. Investors who came to the country in 2014. God said.
