- July 23, 2026
- Posted by: Tresmark
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The government has invited Samsung Electronics to use Pakistan as a regional manufacturing and export hub for smartphones, as it looks to strengthen the country's position in global technology supply chains and boost exports.
The proposal was made by Commerce Minister Jam Kamal Khan during a meeting with a delegation led by Samsung Pakistan’s country head.
The minister encouraged Samsung to export smartphones assembled in Pakistan to Africa and other emerging markets, stressing that the country should capitalize on its growing manufacturing base by integrating into global supply chains rather than relying solely on domestic demand.
Khan also welcomed Samsung’s proposal to establish certified mobile phone refurbishment facilities in Pakistan, saying a regulated refurbishment industry could create jobs, enhance technical expertise, support local manufacturing, and unlock new export opportunities for professionally refurbished devices.
Samsung briefed the minister on its local assembly operations and the progress of Pakistan’s mobile phone manufacturing sector. The company raised concerns over recent tax changes and the narrowing tariff gap between semi-knocked down (SKD) kits and completely built units (CBUs), arguing that the revisions have reduced the competitiveness of locally assembled smartphones. It urged the government to maintain an adequate tariff differential to encourage investment and domestic production.
The company also expressed concerns over commercial imports of used mobile phones, proposing a certified refurbishment model under which original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) would establish authorized refurbishment facilities in Pakistan to supply warranty-backed devices meeting international quality standards.
The commerce minister acknowledged the industry's concerns, stating that future incentives should be tied to investment, localization, value addition, and export performance. He directed stakeholders to submit detailed proposals on certified refurbishment, export opportunities, investment commitments, and international best practices to support revisions to the Mobile Device Manufacturing Policy.
Khan added that any decision regarding commercial imports of used mobile phones would be based on evidence, implemented gradually, and supported by the availability of certified locally refurbished devices to safeguard consumer interests.
