The federal government has invited Samsung to use Pakistan as a manufacturing and export base for smartphones to ship locally assembled devices to Africa and other emerging markets to expand the country’s electronics exports.
The proposal was made by Commerce Minister Jam Kamal Khan during a meeting with a Samsung Pakistan delegation led by the company’s country head on Wednesday.
The minister said Pakistan should move beyond serving only domestic demand and leverage its growing mobile phone manufacturing capacity to become an export giant.
During the meeting, Samsung briefed the minister on the progress of Pakistan’s mobile phone manufacturing sector and its investment in local assembly. The company also raised concerns that the reduced tariff differential between Semi Knocked Down (SKD) kits and Completely Built Units (CBUs) has eroded the competitiveness of locally assembled smartphones.
Samsung objected to the commercial import of used mobile phones and proposed allowing only certified refurbished devices produced through manufacturer-authorized refurbishment centers that offer quality assurance and warranties.
Commerce Minister acknowledged the industry’s concerns over taxation and said they would be reviewed.
The minister directed the industry to submit detailed proposals on certified refurbishment, export potential, investment commitments, and international best practices.
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