The federal government of Pakistan is preparing a ‘Made in Pakistan’ policy aimed at increasing the local production of mobile phones, laptops and other electronic devices.
As per the officials of the government, the proposed policy includes tax incentives for manufacturers and is intended to reduce the country’s reliance on imported electronics while encouraging investment in local manufacturing.
Under the plan, Pakistan would also promote domestic production of signal boosters, dongles, biometric machines, point-of-sale (POS) machines, tracking systems and smartwatches.
The policy has been drafted by the government but has yet to receive final approval, delaying its implementation.
The proposed policy includes tax exemptions on raw materials used to manufacture electronic devices in Pakistan.
The government is also considering imposing a levy of up to 5% on imported electronic products.
The measure is intended to make locally manufactured products more competitive and encourage companies to establish or expand production facilities in Pakistan.
Officials also plan to facilitate access to industrial inputs and heavy machinery required for electronics manufacturing.
Pakistan currently imports more than $422.3m worth of electronic devices each year, according to the information behind the proposed policy.
The government expects greater domestic manufacturing to reduce the country’s import bill and help establish a stronger local electronics industry.
The proposed measures could also encourage manufacturers to develop supply chains within Pakistan, potentially increasing investment and creating new industrial opportunities.
However, the policy remains subject to final approval before the proposed incentives and import measures can take effect.
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