Key Takeaways
- Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will meet Apple CEO John Ternus in the US.
- The meeting aims to discuss Apple’s potential entry into Pakistan’s mobile phone market.
- Pakistan currently has 37 companies manufacturing mobile phones locally.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is set to meet Apple CEO John Ternus in the United States, according to a statement from the Engineering Development Board (EDB) CEO. The meeting, which is expected to take place during the premier’s upcoming visit to Washington, is aimed at discussing the possibility of Apple establishing a manufacturing or assembly operation in Pakistan.
The EDB CEO, briefing the National Assembly Standing Committee on Information Technology and Telecommunication, highlighted that Pakistan currently has 37 companies manufacturing mobile phones locally, which have produced over 35 million handsets to date. This local manufacturing sector is seen as a potential avenue for Apple to enter the market.
The government is actively trying to attract Apple to set up operations in Pakistan, with the EDB CEO stating that the meeting could be part of these efforts. The local manufacturing sector is currently the only major smartphone company not operating in Pakistan, making it a target for expansion.
The committee chairman welcomed the expansion of local mobile phone manufacturing but emphasized the need for increased domestic production. He stressed that locally made phones should be affordable and meet quality standards, and called for a greater focus on locally produced 4G and 5G devices rather than continuing with older 3G technology.
The meeting is expected to be a significant step in the government’s efforts to diversify the local manufacturing sector and attract foreign investment. It is hoped that this could lead to the creation of new jobs and the enhancement of Pakistan’s technological capabilities.
The EDB CEO also noted that the government is working to improve the overall ecosystem for technology and telecommunication in Pakistan, aiming to create a more conducive environment for companies like Apple to consider establishing operations in the country.
Local industry leaders are optimistic about the potential benefits of Apple’s entry into the market, seeing it as a way to boost local manufacturing and innovation. However, they also stress the importance of maintaining quality standards and affordability to ensure the success of the local manufacturing sector.
The meeting between Prime Minister Sharif and Apple CEO Ternus is expected to be a key moment in the ongoing efforts to enhance Pakistan’s technological landscape and attract foreign investment in the tech sector.
