Jam Kamal Khan urges Samsung to make Pakistan a regional manufacturing and refurbishment hub for mobile phones
ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan has invited Samsung to use Pakistan as a regional manufacturing and export hub for smartphones, urging the global technology company to expand local production and export Pakistan-made mobile phones to emerging international markets.
The invitation was extended during a meeting with a delegation led by the Country Head of Samsung Pakistan at the Ministry of Commerce on Wednesday. Senior ministry officials also participated in the discussions focused on strengthening Pakistan’s mobile phone manufacturing industry and boosting exports.
Pakistan positioned as an export base
The commerce minister encouraged Samsung to move beyond serving Pakistan’s domestic market and utilise the country’s growing manufacturing capacity to export smartphones, particularly to African countries and other emerging markets.
He said Pakistan has developed a solid manufacturing base and now has the potential to become an important regional production and export centre for mobile phones.
“Pakistan has developed a strong manufacturing base and now has the potential to emerge as a regional production and export hub for mobile phones,” Jam Kamal Khan said.
The minister emphasised that integrating Pakistan into global supply chains would help increase exports, attract foreign investment and create skilled employment opportunities.
Support for certified refurbishment facilities
Jam Kamal Khan also welcomed Samsung’s proposal to establish certified mobile phone refurbishment facilities in Pakistan.
He said the development of a regulated refurbishment ecosystem would strengthen the domestic electronics industry, generate employment, enhance technical expertise and create new export opportunities for professionally refurbished smartphones.
Samsung raises tariff concerns
During the meeting, Samsung briefed the minister on the progress of its local manufacturing operations and highlighted concerns over recent changes to the taxation framework.
The company said the narrowing of the tariff differential between Semi Knocked Down (SKD) kits and Completely Built Units (CBU) had reduced the competitiveness of locally assembled mobile phones.
Samsung urged the government to maintain an adequate tariff differential to encourage continued investment in domestic manufacturing and support the growth of the local industry.
Concerns over imports of used mobile phones
The delegation also expressed concern over the commercial import of used mobile phones, arguing that such imports undermine domestic manufacturing despite Pakistan’s growing production capacity.
Samsung proposed replacing commercial imports of used handsets with certified refurbished devices produced through authorised refurbishment facilities established by original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). The company said the model would enable consumers to purchase quality-assured smartphones backed by warranties while supporting local manufacturing.
Government seeks detailed policy proposals
Responding to the industry’s recommendations, the commerce minister acknowledged concerns regarding taxation and said they would be considered within the broader fiscal framework.
He stressed, however, that any future incentives should be linked to investment, localisation, exports and value addition.
Jam Kamal Khan directed the industry to submit detailed proposals covering certified refurbishment, export opportunities, investment commitments and international best practices to support the formulation of the revised Mobile Device Manufacturing Policy.
He also said any future policy regarding the commercial import of used mobile phones should be evidence-based, implemented in phases and supported by the availability of certified locally refurbished devices to protect consumer interests.
Reaffirming the government’s commitment to industrial development, the minister said Pakistan offers significant opportunities for global technology companies and expressed confidence that stronger collaboration with manufacturers such as Samsung would boost investment, create jobs and enhance the country’s export performance.