There is need to establish R&D center for transfer of technology: Syed Murtaza Mahmud

ISLAMABAD, April 29 (SABAH): Minister for Industries and Production Makhdoom Syed Murtaza Mahmud has appreciated the Mobile Device Manufacturing Policy and stressed for facilitating the sector to start motherboard assembly in Pakistan by next year.

Makhdoom Syed Murtaza Mahmud chaired a briefing session on Mobile Device Manufacturing Policy 202O on Friday.

While underlining the main features of the Policy, CEO EDB told the Chair that the government had introduced a mobile manufacturing policy to encourage and attract manufacturers to establish their units in Pakistan. He said that in light of the policy Mobile Device Manufacturing (MDM) regulations more 30 companies have been issued MDM authorization enabling them to manufacture mobile devices in Pakistan. The companies include renowned brands such as Samsung, Nokia, Oppo, TECNO, Intel, Infinix, Vgotel and Q-mobile. He told that the policy had attracted more than USD 76 million investments along with direct employment generation of thousands of people. CEO EDB also apprised the Minister of locally manufactured/assembled mobile phone sets stood at 24.66 million sets in 2019-2021, whereas 7.16 million sets had been produced locally in January-March 2022 as compared to 0.61 million commercial imports in same period. He stated that there are 193 million subscribers of smart phones along with 88% Tele-density in the country.

The Minister lauded the initiative of policy launched and progress on implementation of localisation plan. He remarked that there is need to establish R&D center for transfer of technology and skill development pertaining to mobile manufacturing sector. He added that this would enhance footprint of mobile manufacturing industry in competitive export market. The Minister aimed to facilitate the sector to commence mother board (PCB) assembly in Pakistan by 2023.