The local mobile and laptop industry is pinning its hopes on the upcoming federal budget, seeking policy support and tax relief to boost domestic manufacturing and exports.
Speaking to Samaa TV, Pakistan Mobile Phone Manufacturers Association (PMPMA) Senior Vice President Muzaffar Paracha said the mobile phone industry has the potential to help reduce Pakistan’s trade deficit if provided with the right policy framework.
He urged the government to maintain the existing tax on imported mobile phones to protect local manufacturers and emphasised that domestic companies must continue to be safeguarded.
“The government should allocate a dedicated Export Development Fund (EDF) in the budget,” Paracha said, adding that countries like India, Bangladesh and Vietnam have already done so.
“China is exporting mobile phones worth $150 billion. If Pakistan could secure even $15billion in exports, many of the country's economic challenges could be addressed,” he said.
Mobile phone manufacturers also demanded the reversal of the 18% sales tax on mobile phones, arguing that it has made devices significantly more expensive and impacted affordability.
Paracha said that there is currently no policy in place to support local laptop manufacturing. “Imported laptops are cheaper, while locally assembled ones remain expensive due to lack of support,” he added.
He called on the government to introduce a special policy to encourage the local production of laptops, which could reduce reliance on imports and create jobs.
