The federal government has invited Samsung to use Pakistan as a regional manufacturing and export hub for smartphones, as part of efforts to boost exports, attract investment, and strengthen the country’s mobile phone industry.
The invitation was extended by Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan during a meeting with a delegation led by the Country Head of Samsung Pakistan at the Ministry of Commerce in Islamabad.
During the meeting, Jam Kamal Khan urged Samsung to expand its focus beyond Pakistan’s domestic market and export Pakistan-manufactured smartphones to emerging markets, particularly Africa and other regions.
The minister said Pakistan should capitalize on its growing manufacturing capacity by becoming part of global technology supply chains rather than producing solely for local demand.
The Samsung delegation also proposed establishing certified mobile phone refurbishment facilities in Pakistan.
The commerce minister welcomed the proposal, saying a regulated refurbishment ecosystem could create new export opportunities for professionally refurbished devices while generating employment, promoting technical expertise, and strengthening the local electronics industry.
Samsung representatives highlighted their investment in Pakistan’s local mobile phone assembly sector and expressed concern over recent changes in the taxation structure.
According to the delegation, the reduced tariff difference between Semi Knocked Down (SKD) and Completely Built Unit (CBU) mobile phones has weakened the competitiveness of locally manufactured devices. They requested the government to maintain a reasonable tariff differential to encourage further investment and domestic production.
The delegation also raised concerns about the commercial import of used mobile phones, arguing that such imports undermine local manufacturing despite Pakistan’s existing production capacity.
Instead, Samsung proposed replacing commercial imports of used phones with certified refurbished smartphones, produced through authorized refurbishment facilities established by original equipment manufacturers.
Responding to the industry’s concerns, Jam Kamal Khan acknowledged the progress made by Pakistan’s mobile manufacturing sector and said future policies should prioritize local manufacturing, value addition, technology transfer, and exports.
He directed industry stakeholders to submit detailed proposals covering certified refurbishment, export potential, investment commitments, and international best practices to support the formulation of the revised Mobile Device Manufacturing Policy.
The minister added that any future decision regarding commercial imports of used mobile phones would be based on evidence, implemented in phases, and aligned with the availability of certified locally refurbished alternatives to protect consumer interests.
Reaffirming the government’s commitment to industrial development, Jam Kamal Khan said Pakistan offers significant opportunities for global technology companies and expressed confidence that stronger collaboration with Samsung would boost investment, create jobs, and increase the country’s exports.
