Pakistan Prepares Electronics Policy For Apple Manufacturing
Pakistan’s Ministry of Industries and Production has prepared a Mobile and Electronics Manufacturing Policy in connection with Apple’s program to produce iPhones in Pakistan.
According to sources, the mobile and electronics manufacturing policy was drafted at the request of Apple and includes recommendations for providing incentives to the company.
Sources said that under the policy, Apple will initially repair used mobile phone sets and export them. Export of refurbished iPhones is expected to generate revenues of 100 million dollars in the first year.
According to the sources, Apple sought concessional land, eight percent incentives, and approval for repairing used phones. Similar to its operations in Indonesia, Malaysia, and India, Apple plans to refurbish iPhones that are two to three years old. These conditions have been incorporated into the new mobile and electronics framework.
Sources further said that investment worth 557 million dollars is expected from Chinese companies in mobile manufacturing. The new policy is also expected to attract investment in laptops, tablets, and other electronics, along with production of watches, trackers, and earbuds.
According to the sources, local participation in mobile components is planned to be increased to 35 percent in the first year, with a target of raising it to 50 percent. Currently, local production of mobile phones in Pakistan stands at only 12 percent.
