By Aitizaz Hassan ISLAMABAD, April 06 (INP-WealthPK): Pakistan assembled 3.94 million mobile phones during the first two months of 2022, while 0.36 million were imported in the period. The world’s leading brands like Samsung, Xiaomi, Oppo, Vivo, Nokia, Tecno, and ZTE assemble mobile phones within Pakistan. According to Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) data, 1.56 million locally-assembled mobiles in January and February are smartphones, while 2.38 million are 2G devices. In February 2022, 53% locally-assembled mobiles are smartphones, while 47% phones have 2G features. Vivo mobile has recorded top position by manufacturing 0.59 million phones in February, while E-Tachi assembled 0.52 million mobiles. Itel assembled 0.41 million mobiles, VGO TEL manufactured 0.40 million devices, Samsung assembled 0.30 million phones, QMobile manufactured 0.29 million phones, Calme and Infinix produced 0.27 million devices, Nokia assembled 0.20 million, and Tecno manufactured 0.19 million phones, the PTA Annual Report 2021 said. According to the report, 24.66 million locally-assembled mobiles were assembled in Pakistan during last year. While Pakistan assembled only 0.29 million mobiles in 2016, since then the growth ratio of locally-assembled mobiles is 8403%. Similarly, Pakistan’s mobile manufacturing industry showed outstanding performance in 2021 compared to 2020. In 2021, the growth ratio of locally-assembled mobiles was 88.9%, while the import of commercial mobile devices dropped in 2021 by 143%. The PTA report says that Pakistan’s mobile industry has manufactured 52% smartphones while 48 % phones are 2G devices. The growth ratio of smartphones in 2021 was registered 4% compared to 2020. The PTA reinforced this impact by issuing the Mobile Device Manufacturing (MDM) Regulations, 2021, that eased the process for obtaining a No-Objection Certificate (NOC) for manufacturing and local assembly of mobile phones in Pakistan. As many as 30 companies have obtained licenses so far, producing 10.1 million smartphones in 2021, while creating 2,000 jobs. Samsung also joined the local manufacturing market in collaboration with local partners. Pakistan made history by exporting its first-ever smartphone consignment to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) under the ‘Manufactured in Pakistan’ tag. Device Identification, Registration and Blocking System (DIRBS) has created a level playing field for all entities in Pakistan, resulting in establishment of local assembly plants. In view of the successful development of this industry, the PTA issued MDM Regulations, 2021, in accordance with the Mobile Manufacturing Policy issued by Government of Pakistan in June 2020. The policy offers incentives including tax exemptions, for all entities that establish manufacturing plants in Pakistan. As many as 30 local and foreign companies -- both standalone and joint venture -- have obtained 10-year MDM authorization from the PTA and have established manufacturing plants for the purpose. Leading brands including Oppo, Vivo, Nokia, Techno, and Infinix, have established their plants in Pakistan. Local manufacturing has enabled smartphone manufacturing in Pakistan, created job opportunities in areas with skilled workers, and promoted affordability for consumers.