Federal Minister for Industries and Production Murtaza Mahmud Tuesday admitted that the mobile phone manufacturing industry was facing difficulties and  said that it would flourish more under the second phase of CPEC. He said this while addressing an event titled "Mobile Device Manufacturing" organised by the Engineering Development Board (EDB) and Pakistan Mobile Phone Manufacturing Association (PMPMA), says a statement received by WealthPK.

Mahmud said the country was passing through a hard time, but it was everyone's responsibility, including politicians, the private sector and stakeholders, to work together. Mahmud said by improving the mobile industry, the country’s needs could be fulfilled from domestic production.

He said rupee devaluation had reduced the labour costs, adding that the exports could be increased by enhancing mobile manufacturing. “Pakistan will come out of this situation in the short term, but we have to make a long-term policy,’’ said the minister. Meanwhile, Secretary of Industries and Production Imdadullah Bosal highlighted that in 2020, a policy was launched to increase the production and half the journey had been completed.

“We need to upgrade technology, boost productivity to increase labour market, and the policies that work in Vietnam and Malaysia may not work here." Senior GM Policy Engineering Development Board Asim Ayaz said friendly policies had been introduced for the mobile phone industry. He said mobile production in Pakistan was continuously increasing and except for one company, all major brands of mobiles were made in Pakistan.

Around US$ 2.6 billion has been invested in the local mobile manufacturing industry, Ayaz highlighted. Vice Chairman of Mobile Manufacturing Association Muzaffar Piracha said if the government provides an enabling environment for the mobile manufacturers, the exports could cross the $14 billion mark within three years. He said the industry could bring Pakistan out of deficit, as the government was able to meet 95% of local mobile demand in two years. However, he said the mobile manufacturers want support from the government to enhance exports.

Piracha said due to the government policy, all mobiles were now being manufactured in Pakistan. “We have created 40,000 employment opportunities, and more than 20,000 retailers are associated with this business." Vice President of Mobile Manufacturing Association Aamir Aallwala underlined that people "want to invest" in the mobile industry but they need continuity of policies. He said the Chinese industry was willing to come to Pakistan for local parts manufacturing.

Credit : Independent News Pakistan-WealthPk