ISLAMABAD: The production of mobile phones by Pakistani manufacturers has surpassed the number of mobile phones imported by the country, the country’s telecom regulator said on Thursday, with the number of locally manufactured devices reaching 12.27 million during January-July 2021.
The number of mobile phones imported by the country was recorded at 8.29 million during this period, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority said in a statement. The country has achieved this milestone within seven months of the introduction of the Mobile Device Manufacturing (MDM) authorization regime, which allows local and foreign companies to manufacture devices in Pakistan, PTA said.
“This trend reflects a positive uptake on PTA’s MDM authorization regulatory regime,” the regulator added, saying locally made mobile devices included 4.87 million 4G smartphones.
So far, according to the PTA, 26 companies, including Samsung, Nokia, Oppo, TECNO, Infinix, Vgotel and Q-mobile, have been authorized to manufacture mobile devices in Pakistan.
PTA attributed a favorable environment for mobile device manufacturing in Pakistan to the successful implementation of its Device Identification Registration and Blocking System (DIRBS).
In late 2017, the government introduced the system to combat the smuggling of mobile phones and regulate devices in its volatile market.
“It has also contributed positively to the mobile ecosystem of Pakistan by eliminating counterfeit device market, providing a level playing field for commercial entities,” the regulator said, pointing to growing trust among consumers.
Several local mobile manufacturers have surfaced in the Pakistani market since the introduction of the new policies. Previously, the country relied only on imports for its ever-growing demand for latest mobile devices, which would cost it hundreds of thousands of dollars in foreign exchange.
Pakistan’s local cellphone manufacturing surpasses imports by nearly 4.5 million devices — regulator
https://arab.news/c673r
Pakistan’s local cellphone manufacturing surpasses imports by nearly 4.5 million devices — regulator
- Says 26 companies, including Samsung, Nokia, Oppo, now authorized to manufacture mobile phones in Pakistan
- Attributes favorable environment for mobile manufacturing to new policies to combat smuggling and regulate devices
Pakistan PM invites UAE investment across tech and resource sectors at National Day event
- Shehbaz Sharif says the UAE remains a key economic partner and continues to lend ‘critical support’ to Pakistan
- UAE envoy says both nations have potential for cooperation in renewable energy, AI and economic diversification
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan is ready to welcome investment from the United Arab Emirates across emerging technologies and resource sectors, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said on Monday, as both countries marked the 54th National Day of the Gulf country in Islamabad.
Speaking at the ceremony attended by senior ministers, diplomats and business leaders, Sharif said the UAE remained a key economic partner for Pakistan and continued to lend “critical support” to the country’s stabilizing economy.
“Pakistan takes great pride in its strategic partnership with the UAE, which continues to deepen across every domain of life,” he said. “With Pakistan’s economy stabilizing, we stand ready to welcome Emirati investment in renewable energy, AI, fintech, agriculture and minerals.”
Sharif praised the UAE’s leadership and recalled his earliest memories of the Gulf nation as “a land that believed in possibilities long before they became realities,” saying the country’s progress under President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan commanded “profound admiration.”
UAE Ambassador Salem Al Bawab Al Zaabi said the Emirates was committed to strengthening ties with Pakistan in areas including the economy, energy and artificial intelligence.
He said the two countries shared a “deep-rooted friendship built on mutual respect, shared values and a common vision for regional peace and development.”
“We see tremendous potential for collaboration in renewable energy, artificial intelligence, sustainability and economic diversification,” the ambassador said, adding that the UAE aimed to broaden the scope of its economic relations with Pakistan.
The UAE hosts around 1.8 million Pakistani expatriates, one of the country’s largest overseas communities, who Sharif said contributed “tirelessly” to the Gulf state’s development.
Sharif and Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar also joined the UAE ambassador in a cake-cutting ceremony to mark the occasion.
