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South Asia Investor Review
South Asia Investor Review is focused on reporting, analyzing and discussing the economy and the financial markets of countries in South Asia, including Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. For investors looking to invest in emerging markets beyond BRIC countries (Brazil, Russia, India and China), this blog is designed to help international investors looking to learn about investing in South Asia with focus on Pakistan. Riaz has another blog called Haq's Musings at http://www.riazhaq.com
Lower Import Duties Rattle Pakistan's Mobile Handset Makers
Pakistan Federal Board of Revenue has recently announced that "Sales Tax and Income Tax at import stage has been drastically reduced in case of smartphones of Rs15,000 or below". This action was apparently taken after Digital Pakistan Initiative led by Tania Aidrus asked for it. It has come under fire from the country's nascent mobile phone and smartphone manufacturing industry which is producing low-cost mobile phones. Pakistan's mobile handset market is the 8th largest in the world. Current annual demand is for about 40 million units of which 13 million are assembled in Pakistan while the rest are imported, according to a report by Dunya News. The import bill for Fiscal Year 2020 is expected to be about $1.2 billion. Boosting it will save billions of dollars of precious foreign exchange. It will create tens of thousands of jobs and spawn new auxiliary manufacturing industries for chargers, headphones, USB cables, cases, etc. In future, Pakistan could become a significant exporter of mobile handsets.
GFive Promo. Source: GFive
Mobile Phone Demand:
There are currently 164 million mobile phone users in Pakistan, the 8th largest in the world. The current annual demand for mobile phones in the country is estimated at about 40 million units, according to Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA). The fastest growing demand is for 4G smartphones.
According to Pakistan Bureau of Statistics, mobile-phone imports (HS Code: 8517.1219) reached $498 million in 5 months period from July to November 2019, 64% jump over the prior year. Fiscal 2019-20 imports are expected to reach $1.2 billion.
Earlier, the growth rate for 4G handsets jumped from 16% in 2018 to 29% in 2019. Imports of mobile handsets soared 69% from $ 364 million in 2018 to $ 615.7 million in 2019. Pakistan is world's seventh largest handset importer and the 8th largest mobile phone market.
Pakistan Telecom Indicators. Source: PTA
Domestic Manufacturing:
Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has granted permission to 26 local companies for manufacturing out of which 15 are currently in production. Among those currently producing mobile handsets in Pakistan are: E-Tachi, GFive, Haier, Infinix and Tecno. They are producing 13 million mobile phones.
Domestic manufacturers claim that they can meet 80% of demand for mobile handsets over the next 2 to 3 years if they are sufficiently protected by higher tariffs on imports.
Domestic mobile phone manufacturing industry will save billions of dollars of precious foreign exchange. It will create tens of thousands of jobs and spawn new auxiliary manufacturing industries for parts, chargers, headphones, USB cables, cases, etc. In future, Pakistan could become a significant exporter of mobile handsets.
Pakistan's mobile handset market is the 8th largest in the world. Current annual demand is for 40 million units. Domestic plants produce 13 million units while the rest are imported. The import bill for Fiscal Year 2020 is expected to be about $1.2 billion. The country's nascent mobile handset manufacturing industry fears a serious early setback if the FBR decision to lower duties on imports of foreign made mobile phones is not reversed. It is being blamed on Tania Aidrus, Prime Minister Imran Khan's advisor on Digital Pakistan Initiative, who would like to increase availability of mobile handsets. Domestic mobile phone manufacturing industry will save billions of dollars of precious foreign exchange. It will create tens of thousands of jobs and spawn new auxiliary manufacturing industries for chargers, headphones, USB cables, cases, etc. In future, Pakistan could become a significant exporter of mobile handsets.
Haq's Musings
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Pakistan's Gig Economy 4th Largest in the World
Afiniti and Careem: Tech Unicorns Made in Pakistan
Pakistani American Heads Silicon Valley's Top Incubator
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Digital BRI and 5G in Pakistan
Pakistan's Demographic Dividend
Pakistan EdTech and FinTech Startups
State Bank Targets Fully Digital Economy in Pakistan
Campaign of Fear Against CPEC
Fintech Revolution in Pakistan
E-Commerce in Pakistan
The Other 99% of the Pakistan Story
FMCG Boom in Pakistan
Belt Road Forum 2019
Fiber Network Growth in Pakistan
Riaz Haq's Youtube Channel
Viewpoint From Overseas Channel
Digital Pakistan Digitization Exports Jobs Manufacturing Mobile Phones Pakistan smartphones
Riaz Haq said…
Mobile set manufacturing policy being finalised: chief of EDB's board
https://www.brecorder.com/2020/01/16/562126/mobile-set-manufacturing-policy-being-finalised-chief-of-edbs-board/
Chairman EDB's Board, Almas Hyder on Wednesday said that final touches are being given to Pakistan's mobile set manufacturing policy which will be ready within the month.
While talking to Business Recorder, Hyder stated that the working on mobile set manufacturing policy began eight months ago and so far three-four meetings have been held to prepare the draft policy for the government.
In reply to a question, he said the main reason for the delay in finalization of draft policy was due to gathering of data and the formulation of procedure to acquire technology.
"Policy document is being finalised. I think one more meeting will be required to give it the final touches. We want to make it a driver of export," he added.
Almas Hyder maintained that the main purpose of the policy was to make engineering sector one of largest export-oriented sectors of Pakistan. This implies if the export of textile sector earns $ 12 billion per annum, then engineering sector would cross $ 12 billion benchmark within the next 8 to 10 years. He said that cell phone industry can contribute $500 million to $1 billion in exports of engineering goods.
"We will attract local as well as global players of mobile set manufacturers," he continued.
Mobile phone manufacturing is one of the biggest industries worldwide. This industry is now moving out of China and into countries such as India, Bangladesh, Indonesia and Vietnam.
A couple of days ago, Adviser to the Prime Minister on Commerce and Industries and Production and Investment, Abdul Razak Dawood said that the government will give incentives to local mobile phone manufacturers.
Ministry of Industries and Production announced last year that the mobile set manufacturing policy will be unveiled in November 2019. However, despite several consultations with stakeholders over a period of 10 months EDB has yet to present a draft to the Ministry of Industries for submission to ECC for approval.
Currently, there are more than 10 domestic assemblers of mobile phones. Most of them are producing 2G feature phones & waiting for Government policy to upgrade themselves to manufacturers of 4G smart phones. A Pak-China joint venture to locally assemble smart phones has already been set up in Karachi with an initial investment of Rs 160 million.
Prime Minister Imran Khan has been directing his economic ministries to create an environment conducive for investment, domestic & foreign, in the sub-sector which would lead to creation of job opportunities.
Industry sources state that mobile phone assembly is a labor intensive activity which if duly incentivised, can create over 120,000 jobs within a period of three years. Most of these jobs will be for skilled workers & young electronics engineers graduating from local universities.
Industry is demanding a clear roadmap from the Government – from assembling mobile phones and progressively encouraging localization of components & mother board assembly – over a period of 3-4 years.
Representatives of local manufacturers believe that after successfully introducing IMEI registration by the PTA in March 2019 all chances of smuggling and grey imports of mobile phones have been eliminated. This industry can now be used as a game changer for creating a base of Electronics sector in Pakistan which has a requirement of around 40 Million handsets on an annual basis.
GVCs – a fillip for exports
https://www.brecorder.com/2020/01/08/560023/gvcs-a-fillip-for-exports/
Sync with Global Value Chains (GVCs) is imperative for Pakistan to grow its struggling exports. In 1990, the ratio of GVCs to traditional share in exports was 40:60. Today it's almost at 50:50. Pakistan has lagged behind. Emphasizing on catching up, SBP has published a special section on GVCs in its recent quarterly economic update.
GVC in modern world can be explained by the iPhone example. Designed in US; assembled in China and Vietnam; components to assemble are supplied by South Korea and Japan; and sold across the globe. The GVCs have made the economies think beyond domestically available resource based value added exports. For example, Bangladesh has become the second biggest world supplier of garments without any cotton production. Vietnam has created its niche in outer structure and final assembling of mobile phones by importing high tech components; it's the world third biggest mobile phone manufacturer including 40 percent of Samsung mobiles.
Meanwhile, Pakistan has continued concentrate on traditional exports within its low base in developed markets. The share in global demand of developed world shrunk from 81 percent in 1995 to 62 percent. The share of emerging economies is expected to increase further to 51 percent by 2030. Pakistan should look for new markets in a non-traditional way.
In 1995, foreign value added components of Pakistan's exports was 4.8 percent. In 2015, the ratio inched up to 5.6 percent. Consistently, 95 percent of country's exports are on value addition on domestic components such as cotton, rice, animal hides etc. Our foreign value addition in textile products is in the form of chemicals and dyes, high quality cotton, manmade fiber etc. Such process is termed as backward participation.
Pakistan's share in GVCs is mostly in forward participation i.e. some other country adds value in Pakistan's exports to re-export. For example, yarn and fabric are exported to China, Bangladesh and Turkey, which produce and export value added products to stores like Zara, Marks & Spencer and H&M.
Pakistan needs to create linkages with original brand manufacturers, and original brand designers. The textile sector lacks diversification in higher unit value manmade fibers. A good example within the country is of denim trousers (jeans) where exporters are contributing in the supply chain of brands like Target, Gap, Levi's etc.
There are two other sectors where we have footprints in GVCs – Medical Devices and ICT services. In the former, the skill set is clustered in Sialkot and 98 percent participation is in precision metal instruments. The low value addition does not lure multifetal enterprises (MNEs) to invest in Pakistan. These have production facilities in Malaysia, Mexico and Dominican Republican. Upcoming SEZs and EPZs should focus on bringing MNEs to become part of GVCs.
The way forward is to enhance Pakistan's share in GVCs within sections of existing exports – positioning for brands by improving quality standards in forward participation. Find new avenues to develop backward participation. World top five exporting sectors are electrical and machinery, petro chemical and non-metal minerals, transport equipment, metal products, and financial intermediaries and business activities. Pakistan's share ranges from 0.00 to 0,03 percent in global exports of these sectors.
The foremost important factor for enhancing footprint in GVCs is to liberalize trade (tariff) policy. For details read "National Tariff Policy – the long haul". SBP noticed that the tariff liberalization started in 2000s is non-uniform, "Some industries such as automobile and steel, have continued to enjoy higher protection, which fueled an anti-export bias". Government should end the protection to redirect the flow of productive capital in export oriented sectors.
The Standard Chartered SDG Investment Map reveals an almost USD10 trillion (USD9.668 trillion) opportunity for private-sector investors across all emerging markets to help achieve the UN's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with Pakistan representing USD96.2 billion of that totals. The study identifies opportunities for the private sector to contribute to three infrastructure-focused goals between now and 2030: SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation, SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy and SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure across emerging markets. Need for private investment intensifying.
https://nation.com.pk/28-Jan-2020/pakistan-presents-dollar-96b-opportunity-for-private-sector
The greatest investment opportunity in Pakistan is found in achieving and maintaining universal access to electricity (a key SDG 7 indicator), representing a USD44.7 private-sector opportunity. This considers the proportion of the population currently without electricity access (29 per cent), projected population growth, and the growing demand for power as the economy develops.
There is also significant opportunity for investment in digital infrastructure, with a potential private-sector contribution of around USD34 billion needed to achieve full digital adoption (measured by a combination of mobile phone subscription rates and internet connectivity). Digital access is a key indicator for SDG 9, which encourages improvement in industry, innovation and infrastructure. The other SDG 9 indicator in Opportunity2030 is transport infrastructure. To significantly improve Pakistan's transport infrastructure by 2030 indicates a USD13.5 billion investment opportunity for the private sector.
The opportunity in the water and sanitation sector is smaller but could make a significant impact. Almost a quarter (24 per cent) of Pakistan's population still do not have access to clean water and sanitation, a key SDG 6 indicator. Closing this gap by 2030 will require significant investment, with an opportunity for the private sector to provide around USD4 billion of the funding.
Shazad Dada, Chief Executive Officer at Standard Chartered, said: "Pakistan has demonstrated strong commitment to the UN Sustainable Development Goals by becoming the first country to adopt the SDGs as part of its national development agenda through a parliamentary resolution. The private sector will play a crucial role in enabling Pakistan to hit these targets and there is substantial opportunity for investment that supports infrastructure development, including digital, energy provisioning as well as clean water and sanitation.
"Opportunity2030 provides an important map of the SDG opportunities for private sector investors looking to invest with impact and improve the lives of millions of Pakistanis over the next decade."
Market Water and sanitation (SDG 6) Access to power* (SDG 7) Transport infrastructure (SDG 9) Digital access (SDG 9) Total
China USD26.1bn N/A USD2.310tn USD492.8bn USD2.829tn
India USD19.2bn USD701.5bn USD176.9bn USD226.5bn USD1.124tn
Indonesia USD4.0bn USD147.5bn USD75.5bn USD53.7bn USD280.7bn
Bangladesh USD3.2bn USD73.9bn USD21.6bn USD33.3bn USD132.0bn
The Philippines USD1.9bn USD61.3bn USD26.1bn USD28.2bn USD117.5bn
Nigeria USD5.7bn USD32.3bn USD28.8bn USD47.4bn USD114.2bn
Pakistan USD4.0bn USD44.7bn USD13.5bn USD34.0bn USD96.2bn
Thailand USD0.7bn N/A USD40.6bn USD17.0bn USD58.3bn
Vietnam USD1.3bn N/A USD20.1bn USD24.4bn USD45.8bn
Kenya USD2.3bn USD15.6bn USD9.1bn USD13.0bn USD40.0bn
Malaysia USD0.4bn N/A USD25.8bn USD8.8bn USD35.0bn
Ghana USD0.8bn USD7.8bn USD4.1bn USD6.9bn USD19.6bn
Sri Lanka USD0.2bn USD7.3bn USD4.6bn USD4.1bn USD16.2bn
Uganda USD0.8bn USD6.1bn USD2.8bn USD4.0bn USD13.7bn
Zambia USD0.7bn USD4.0bn USD1.6bn USD3.2bn USD9.5bn
https://www.sc.com/en/media/press-release/weve-launched-our-opportunity2030-the-standard-chartered-sdg-investment-map-study/
https://av.sc.com/corp-en/content/docs/Standard-Chartered-Opportunity-2030.pdf
According to our research, the combined potential
private-sector investment opportunity in Pakistan
to 2030 – across the indicators we have measured
as part of SDGs 6, 7 and 9 – is an estimated: USD96.2bn
Investor snapshot
Pakistan needs investment across SDGs 6,7 and 9,
with the greatest opportunity in power, followed by
digital infrastructure. To meet our SDG 7 indicator and
ensure that all of Pakistan's population has access to
electricity by 2030 will require an estimated investment of
USD99.3 billion, with a potential private-sector investment
opportunity of USD44.7 billion. The potential opportunity
for private-sector investment in facilitating universal digital
access is also significant, standing at USD34.0 billion.
Incentives in the works to diversify exports
https://www.dawn.com/news/1530210
The Imran Khan government plans to introduce significant time-bound, structured fiscal incentives and protection for 20 industries other than the five zero-rated sectors besides ensuring their easier access to cheap short- and long-term finance for diversifying and boosting the country's stagnating exports.
The incentives will be part of the new Strategic Trade Policy Framework (STPF) expected to be finalised in the next couple of months, Commerce Secretary Ahmed Nawaz Sukhera told Dawn on Thursday.
"The government is looking beyond the five zero-rated export sectors including the textile. It is time we also focused and facilitated industries like light engineering, chemicals, IT, etc with substantial potential to diversify and increase our exports," he said.
"Textile industry does have the potential to enhance its foreign sales but it can push our overall exports only so much. We need to encourage other industries with untapped potential."
Pakistan's trade gap has shrunk 31pc to $11.6 billion in the first half of this fiscal year to December, primarily on the back of 17 per cent compression in imports, which dropped to $23.2bn. Meanwhile, exports have risen by a mere 3.2pc to $11.5bn despite steep currency devaluation during last one and a half years and energy subsidies given to textiles, which fetch 55-60pc of the country's total proceeds from foreign sales.
According to a World Bank report, the country's share in the global exports has declined from a peak of 0.18pc to 0.13pc in 2018 with the bulk of them are resource-based or commodities.
"We are moving in the direction of export-led economic growth and away from import substitution policies. The global experience shows that you cannot pursue both export growth and import substitution policies simultaneously; so we have decided to increase competitiveness of our industries with export potential," Sukhera said.
The stabilisation on the external front in the recent months has created room for the State Bank to help exporting industries, and enhance the financing limit for exporters though its subsidised loan schemes — Export Finance Scheme (EFS) and Long Term Finance Facility (LTFF) — by Rs100bn for the full year.
Under EFS exporters are eligible to receive short-term loans at 3pc to meet their working capital requirements while LTFF caters to their needs for long-term funds to import machinery and plants. For the textile sector, LTFF is available at 5pc and for others at 6pc.
SBP Governor Reza Baqir, who has repeatedly underscored the importance of increasing exports to pull the country out of the frequent boom-and-bust cycles, says the scope of these schemes will be extended to more industries and sectors with export potential.
Experts say the current account stability based on massive import compression is hurting the industry and could backfire if exports are not increased substantially and swiftly. The current account deficit has squeezed by 73pc in the first six months of this fiscal year.
In this age of of global supply chains, very few if any products are made in just one country; multiple countries add value to the finished product. Some make components while others build subassemblies and still others do the final assembly. All countries participating in the value chain create jobs and make money in the process
PTCL to build #Pakistan's first high-perf #telecom 200G #network with #Nokia. PTCL CTO: "We have enhanced the existing capacity from 100G optical network to 200G to take care of the growing traffic in these cities (#Karachi, #Lahore, #Islamabad)" #fiber
https://www.developingtelecoms.com/telecom-technology/optical-fixed-networks/9133-ptcl-to-build-pakistan-s-first-high-performance-200g-network-with-nokia.html
Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited (PTCL) has deployed Nokia's technology to expand the capacity of its recently installed 100G transport network to 200G optical network for both domestic and international traffic.
This capacity expansion has been carried out in the major cities of Islamabad, Lahore and Karachi to keep pace with the growing demands for capacity from both individuals as well as enterprises.
The deployment makes PTCL the first operator in Pakistan to deploy high-performance 200G 8 Quadrature Amplitude Modulation (QAM), an optical long-haul technology offering more capacity at lower cost. The upgrade of its optical network allows PTCL to address the growing demands of bandwidth, enabling its enterprise and individual users in Pakistan's largest cities to use high-bandwidth services and applications such as HD and 4K video.
In addition, the network upgrade allows PTCL to enhance network capacity with the Software Defined Network (SDN) capabilities of Nokia's optical solution. Further, the unique flexgrid technology will enable PTCL to upgrade to 300G or 400G in the future over the same installed base.
Saad Muzaffar Waraich, Chief Technology & Information Officer, PTCL, said: "We have enhanced the existing capacity from 100G optical network to 200G to take care of the growing traffic in these cities."
Carlo Corti, Director of the Optics Business Development, MEA, Nokia, said: "Our field-proven technology enables PTCL to provide the best-in-class network experience to its subscribers. With our 200G technology, PTCL is now in a position to cost-efficiently address the ever-growing demand for capacity."
Pakistan urgently needs pathway for higher growth. Must be export-led by Sakib Sherani
AS large parts of the economy grind into recessionary conditions, the clamour for policy focus on growth is increasing. However, the government's policy mix is constrained under an IMF-led stabilisation programme, with no space for a stimulus in either fiscal or monetary policy. Under the current programme, the government is bound to achieve fiscal consolidation over three years of almost 6.5 per cent of GDP — the highest reduction in the fiscal deficit in Pakistan's history over a similar time span.
Under the IMF stabilisation framework, short-run economic growth is not collateral damage — it is virtually ground zero, the epicentre of policy focus. Achieving a sharp correction in the external current account imbalance in the shortest possible time requires an equally sharp compression in imports. The contractionary policy mix adopted as a result leaves businesses struggling for survival — via the sucking out of purchasing power and the overall increase in cost of doing business (on borrowing, imported inputs and energy use).
In its latest monetary policy statement, the State Bank appears to indicate an abandoning of its unrealistic and overly optimistic assessment of growth prospects for the current fiscal year — something I have been pointing out for the last several months. With near-term growth prospects bleak, and unemployment and high inflation imposing a punishing burden on large swaths of the populace, there is a clear need for a policy framework that delivers less pain while achieving the broad aims of not just stabilisation but wider reform.
Pakistan needs a return to high rates of economic growth, but only one that is sustained, sustainable, export-led, jobs creating, and inclusive — rather than the four-year boom-bust cycle the country has been trapped in ie a better quality of growth. To achieve this requires serious structural as well as institutional reform — some of the very measures such as documentation and widening of the tax base that are contributing to challenging business conditions and pessimistic investor sentiment. So what can the government do differently, to ease the pain?
In response to the Great Financial Crisis of 2007, countries ranging from the US to Singapore sought to insulate businesses from the effects of the recession by a host of heterodox policy measures. The US government pumped nearly $700 billion in fiscal stimulus measures alone in response to the recession, over and above the aggressive and unprecedented expansion of the US Federal Reserve's balance sheet. Measures taken included recapitalisation of financial institutions, capital injections in the Big Three auto companies as well as insurance firm AIG, launching programmes such as 'cash-for-clunkers', cutting payroll taxes, and extending unemployment benefits. An expanded public works programme to create jobs was also launched.
Similarly, Singapore adopted maintaining citizen employment during the crisis as an explicit policy goal and launched a 'jobs credit scheme', effectively temporarily subsidising the wage cost of firms.
While Pakistan cannot match the scale of such measures given its fiscal constraints and public debt level, the foregoing presents examples of precisely the kind of bold thinking and heterodox policies that are required. Some possible measures that can be undertaken include:
— Extend energy tariff subsidy to indirect exporters/export sector supply chain.
— Underwrite fresh loans to SMEs.
— Provide interest rate subsidy on new loans/expand access to concessionary finance.
— Swap existing high-cost loans with subsidised credit schemes for certain high spillover sectors (with high linkages and employment intensity, for example)
— Ensure access to credit for credit-constrained SMEs.
— Ensure timely release of tax refunds due.
— Provide tax credits for new investment.
#Pakistan #MobilePhone #Imports Jump 79.46% in 7 Months of FY19/20. mobile #broadband (BB) penetration is up from 51.8 million subscribers in January, 2018 to 76.8 million in Nov 2019, an increase of 25 million in #smartphones sales. https://www.phoneworld.com.pk/import-of-mobile-phones-increase-by-79-46-during-first-7-months-of-financial-year-2019-20/
According to the data issued by Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS), Pakistan imported mobile phones worth $760.582 million during July-January (2019-20) as compared to $423.818 million during July-January (2018-19), showing a growth of 79.46 percent,
As compared to last year, on a year-on-year basis, the import of mobile phones witnessed a growth of 141.65 percent in January 2019. The imports during January 2020 were $144.437 million against $59.77 million in January 2019.
On a month-on-month basis, the import of mobile phones witnessed an increase of 22.73 percent during January 2020, as compared to $117.682 million during December 2019.
Overall, telecom imports saw an increase of 31.36 percent during July-January 2019-20 as compared to last year. Total imports were recorded at $1.029 billion during this period compared to $783.453 million during the same of last year. Telecom imports stood at $184.474 million in January 2020 as compared to $161.895 million during December 2019 i.e. registered 13.95 percent growth.
Other telecom apparatus imports witnessed a decline of over 25.33 percent in July-January 2019-20 as it stood at $268.546 million against $359.635 million during the same period last year. When compared to December 2019, other telecom apparatus imports registered a decline of 9.45 percent and remained at $40.037 million in January 2020 compared to $44.213 million in December 2019.
Telecom experts are linking the phenomenal growth in mobile imports to the implementation of Device Identification Registration and Blocking System (DIRBS). According to Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) it has blocked a total of 50 million devices since implementation of DIRBS.
According to PTA these includes 32 million GSMA valid and 18 million non-standard i.e. non-compliant devices. Such devices were brought into Pakistan through grey channels causing security issues and revenue loss to the government of Pakistan.
Since implementation of DIRBS, mobile broadband (BB) penetration has increased from 51.8 million subscribers in January, 2018 to 76.8 million in November, 2019 showing an increase of 25 million due to increased usage of smart phones. The total cellular mobile subscribers reached 165.4 million by the end of November 2019.
As per DIRBS regulations, all devices operating on mobile networks within Pakistan as of 15th January, 2019 were registered. Devices with programmed IMEI which were not as per GSMA standard operating on mobile networks as of 15th January, 2019 were paired/ linked with the mobile number being used.
Infinix becomes first smartphone brand with manufacturing facility in Pakistan
https://dailytimes.com.pk/567038/infinix-becomes-first-smartphone-brand-with-manufacturing-facility-in-pakistan/
Infinix, with its latest and high-quality premium products, is one of the leading smartphone brands in Pakistan. It has continued growing stronger, and one of the primary reasons is the company's continuous investment and contribution to the economic and labor empowerment in the country. Now very proudly Infinix becomes the first smartphone brand manufacturing in Pakistan.
Fully aligning with the country's initiative of "Made in Pakistan", the company keeps growing its investment to contribute to turn the country into a regional tech hub, and it just got one step further towards its mission and local commitment to put Pakistan on road to progress and prosperity. This Chinese smartphone brand's manufacturing facility being located in the country helps prevent unnecessary worry of Corona Virus and the inaccessibility of newest Infinix products, and also fulfills its aim of playing its role in empowering the local labor, and particularly women, as 60% of the workforce working in the Infinix Pakistan factory are women.
The manufacturing vicinity was also visited by the Consul General of the People's Republic of China, Mr. Li Bijian, who applauded Infinix's contribution in promoting local employment in the country.
Talking about their company mission, CEO of Infinix Pakistan Mr. Joe Hu said, "Infinix's vision as a company is to enrich our customer's experiences, whether it is through our products, or what goes in their manufacturing. To be able to play a small part in the empowerment of the labor force in Pakistan, and particularly the women of the country is an important step further towards our mission."
Infinix has currently been marked as the largest mobile phone production and assembly company in Pakistan. The existing factory produces 3 million units per year. All the local products selling in the country are being manufactured in the factories that are churning out smartphones, tablets, and wearable devices.
EDB-BoM gives go-ahead on mobile device manufacturing policy
https://pakobserver.net/edb-bom-gives-go-ahead-on-mobile-device-manufacturing-policy/
In a meeting of the Board of Management of Engineering Development Board (EDB), chaired by Mr. Almas Hyder, the mobile device manufacturing policy was approved for submission to Ministry of Industries & Production. The policy has been drafted, after extensive stakeholder consultation, with the objective to encourage local manufacturers in this sector through technology acquisition & localization.
The proposed policy is expected to promote local investments and FDI. Local device manufacturing activity is projected to create 200,000 direct and indirect jobs in the country alongside development of efficient manufacturing eco-system and linking Pakistan to the global supply chain. Needful to mention is that Pakistan is the 7th largest market for mobile sets with annual sales of 34 million sets in 2019. With an increasing demand and competitive advantage of labour cost, it can develop into a major industry capable to generate export surplus to sell its brand of "Make in Pakistan" in the international markets.
The Board also deliberated on the Electric Vehicle Policy drafted by EDB in consultation with concerned stakeholders. It was proposed to have a comprehensive policy framework to not only cater for EV but that covers emerging technologies in this sector as well as ensuring that the supply chains of the existing players may not be disrupted. The Board emphasized on the need to have a favorable incentive regime to promote local investments and attract FDI.
A comprehensive plan for participation of engineering sector in international trade fairs/exhibitions were also presented in the meeting. The members appreciated efforts made by EDB's management to promote engineering sector of Pakistan.
The Chairman advised to organize trade delegations to various Free Trade Zones of African to tap the huge export potential in this region. Members also advised to look for trade opportunities in European and American markets.
CEO-EDB also briefed the Members on the competitive/efficiency improvement and export enhancement exercise being undertaken by EDB. In this regard 350 companies, Associations, Chambers were approached to invite proposals in order to address the anomalies in tariff cascading, procedural delays in availing benefits like DTRE and technological constraints in meeting international bench marks.
A high-profile panel discussion on Pakistan's digital future attended by prominent players in the local digital industry was hosted by Serena hotels as part of its public diplomacy initiative called 'Raabta'.
https://dailytimes.com.pk/567091/moot-highlights-challenges-faced-by-digital-economy-in-pakistan/
The event titled 'Re imagine our Digital Future – Preparing to Thrive or Survive?' was hosted by raabta curator and prominent journalist Sidra Iqbal.
A lively and thought-provoking discussion was held about the challenges facing the local digital economy in face of its rapid expansion, and the challenges and opportunities this brings in terms of innovation, governance, job market, cyber risks, regulation and ease of doing business.
"The focus of the event is to discuss the potential benefits and costs arising from global digital technology changes and, importantly, anticipate public policy solutions to emerging problems that will shape the future of society and the economy for generations to come," said Sidra Iqbal. "Change can come within a generation if managed properly, rather than waiting for millennia. We are asking if the policymakers going to be reactive to the digital revolution or take the bull by the horn and prepare an environment for the digital economy to thrive?"
The keynote speaker at the event was 'Digital Pakistan' initiative chief Tania Aidrus, who spoke about the five pillars that form the cornerstone of the government's digital policy, which include access and connectivity, digital infrastructure, e Government and digital skilling. Tania said the response to the PM's digital initiative was overwhelmingly good and it felt like a movement already. She said a lot is happening in the digital arena but it's important to keep an end view in sight and take a strategic approach. She said the efforts at provincial and federal levels have to be synchronized to achieve the objectives on a broader scale. She said the internet is a democratizing force and digital allows equitable access to knowledge provided the affordability of digital infrastructure was enabled and commodities like the internet are not taxed as a luxury item.
The panel included prominent figures of the local digital landscape including GM of Careem Zeeshan Hasib Baig, MD Daraz.pk Ehsan Saya, CEO Foodpanda Nauman Sikandar Mirza, Chief Corporate and Enterprise Officer Jazz Ali Naseer, MD KPITB Dr Shahbaz Khan and Chief Business Support Officer U Microfinance Bank Sharmeen Niaz.
Zeeshan Hasib Baig said that Careem has enabled 500,000 jobs which shows that going digital will not take away jobs as some fear, however it will change the way we work and make it more efficient so the focus can be on better quality leading to productivity gains. He said digital companies like Careem are improving livelihoods, moreover they are allowing females much better mobility for work and leisure.
Ali Naseer from Jazz said "we need to change the lens of how we look at things and there needs to be a paradigm shift in our traditional processes to allow for digital to be effective lest we become redundant." "Whilst we have 3G/4G broadband license since 2014 but less than 40% of the population is connected on broadband currently which is a travesty."
Nauman Sikander Mirza of food delivery service Foodpanda Pakistan said that Pakistan's digital economy was in very early stages with no e-commerce companies operating in the country and very few government entities using automation.
MD of online selling platform Daraz.pk Ehsan Saya spoke about digitization boosting the trade industry like never before despite the fact that the majority of the population is not accustomed to buying online. He said the e-commerce will pick up eventually when the government improves regulation.
#Pakistan's #trade deficit down 27% to $15.7billion in first 8 months of FY 2019-20. In #February, #export jumped 13.6% to $2.13 billion, giving a reason for celebration.Total exports up 3.6% to $15.6 billion in Jul-Feb of current FY. #economy #PTI https://tribune.com.pk/story/2168222/2-pakistans-trade-deficit-contracts-27-15-7b/
Pakistan booked a trade deficit of $15.7 billion in first eight months of current fiscal year, down 27% due to suppression of imports, amid rekindled hopes for the revival of exports that bounced back after contracting for three months in a row.
In February, export receipts showed an increase of 13.6% and amounted to $2.13 billion, giving a reason for celebration to members of the government's economic team, who immediately started sending congratulatory tweets.
Export receipts in February hit the highest level in nine months. Last time in May 2019, the exports had risen to $2.1 billion, according to Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) figures.
Since then, exports have fluctuated between $1.7 billion and $2 billion, which does not reflect the true potential. Historically, exports have stayed around $2 billion a month. The Ministry of Commerce took to Twitter to announce the trade statistics, which otherwise is the responsibility of the PBS.
Total exports increased 3.6% to $15.6 billion in Jul-Feb of the current fiscal year, announced Commerce Secretary Ahmad Nawaz Sukhera through his Twitter handle.
In absolute terms, Pakistan managed to increase exports by $547 million from July through February.
The cumulative increase in exports was appreciable when compared with the export trend in Pakistan's competing countries and the global economic situation, stated the commerce secretary.
Imports during the eight-month period dropped 14.4% to $31.3 billion, according to the commerce secretary. In absolute terms, imports contracted $5.3 billion, which provided some relief for the government.
After the first review, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) projected that the trade deficit of Pakistan in the current fiscal year would narrow down to $24.3 billion, also slightly lowering its projections due to weakening exports.
The IMF had earlier predicted that exports would grow to $26.8 billion but in its latest report the estimate was revised down by nearly a billion dollars to $25.7 billion.
Overall, the trade deficit, which stood at $21.5 billion in the first eight months of previous fiscal year, shrank to $15.7 billion in the same period of current fiscal year. In absolute terms, there was a reduction of $5.8 billion in the trade deficit and 91% of the improvement came from the import side.
Eight-month exports were equal to 58.2% of the annual target of $26.8 billion while imports were equal to 60% of the target of $51.7 billion.
In the ongoing financial year, due to global slowdown and other factors such as Brexit, exports of India declined 1.9% and Bangladesh's exports fell 5.2% while Pakistan's exports increased 3.6%, said Aliya Hamza Malik, Parliamentary Secretary for Commerce and Industry.
She said the textile sector was running on full production capacity and food exports were also rising significantly.
Successive governments have been providing subsidised loans, gas and electricity to the exporters but they have always asked for more. The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government has once again reached an understanding with the exporters, promising them to provide cheaper electricity and gas.
Over a year ago, the PTI government had also given huge benefits to the exporters and in return they promised to revive 200 closed units. But no one talked about the revival of units after winning concessions from the government.
On a yearly basis, exports increased 13.6% to $2.13 billion over the same month of last year, a net increase of $256 million.
#Pakistan #mobilephone #manufacturing co to export soon. Transsion Tecno is operating 3 production lines with a capacity to assemble 3 million #smartphones annually. The company has plans to localize production of 49% of handset parts in next 3 years. https://www.brecorder.com/2020/03/12/579377/china-pakistan-mobile-manufacturer-eyes-to-start-exporting/
Transsion Tecno mobile manufacturing firm, a joint venture between Pakistan and China is all set to manufacture 49 percent of its mobile phones in Pakistan in the coming years, informed Federal Minister for Economic Affairs Hammad Azhar.
"They will be focusing now on exports as their plant in Pakistan is most efficient of all owned by Transsion group globally (excluding China)," said Azhar, after his meeting with Transsion Tecno CEO, Aamir Allawala, at their phone assembly plant.
The minister said that in the next three years the company has targeted to localize production of 49pc of handset parts. "A huge export potential e.g. Vietnam is exporting USD37 billion of handsets annually," he said
Hammad said Transsion Tecno started producing three million handsets per annum and is increasing its production to up to 13 million handsets within a year.
He said that the introduction of DIRBS [Device Identification, Registration and Blocking System] has eliminated the menace of smuggled sets, and has been an instrumental factor in opening up the market.
Currently, Transsion Tecno is operating three production lines with a capacity to assemble 3 million smartphones every year. In terms of human resources, the company has on board 750 skilled workers, 70 engineers, and nine Chinese experts.
Aamir Allawala, the CEO of Transsion Tecno in his interview with BR Research had said that mobile phones can become Pakistan's biggest export item, surpassing textiles, if the country is able to tap into this market.
An interview with Aamir Allawala, CEO Transsion Tecno Electronics 'Mobile phone exports can surpass textiles'
Amir Allahwala: "There are 164 million mobile subscribers. The handset market size is about 40 million units with 27 million units currently being imported and 13 million (which are mostly 2G) manufactured locally in the country. These are feature phones and we believe the future is smart. If we had to put a number to it, the potential handset market size should be over 60 million units annually. This would make us one of the top 10 handset markets in the world." https://www.brecorder.com/2020/03/11/578939/an-interview-with-aamir-allawala-ceo-transsion-tecno-electronics-mobile-phone-exports-can-surpass-textiles/
BR Research: Start by telling us about this new venture for mobile handset manufacturing in Pakistan.
https://www.brecorder.com/2020/03/11/578939/an-interview-with-aamir-allawala-ceo-transsion-tecno-electronics-mobile-phone-exports-can-surpass-textiles/
Aamir Allawala: This project, I would say, marks the beginning of CPEC Phase II and it is a clear signal that Pakistan is open for big foreign investment. In the smartphone industry, this is the first Chinese investment in Pakistan. I would first like to give you a little bit of a background about us. Our company Tecno Pack has been in business since 1971. We have been manufacturing automobile parts (for cars, tractors and motorcycles) over the past few decades, and we did a recent Joint Venture project with Suzuki Japan with an investment of Rs2.87 billion. We employ about 2100 workers at our 5 manufacturing plants. Over the years, we have ventured into electronics manufacturing as well. We found this opportunity for mobile manufacturing, saw the wide gap that exists in the market, and immediately grabbed it. This brought our new partnership with Transsion Holding which is a Chinese manufacturer of mobiles phones, one of the top in the world in terms of volumes with sales of over 124 million in 2018. Apart from China, it has factories in India, Bangladesh, Ethiopia and with this new investment, Pakistan.
BRR: What is the total investment, your equity and the current assembling capacity of mobile phones?
AA: The total investment is Rs480 million and we have a 60:40 arrangement with Transsion China. Currently we are operating three production lines with a capacity to assemble 3 million smartphones every year. In terms of human resource, we have on board 750 skilled workers, 70 engineers and 9 Chinese experts.
BRR: How big is the mobile phone market in Pakistan and what is the potential here?
AA: There are 164 million mobile subscribers. The handset market size is about 40 million units with 27 million units currently being imported and 13 million (which are mostly 2G) manufactured locally in the country. These are feature phones and we believe the future is smart. If we had to put a number to it, the potential handset market size should be over 60 million units annually. This would make us one of the top 10 handset markets in the world.
This is a big space. We need a new plan for Pakistan where we are not just importing and consuming, but also contributing to the production and creating jobs. The first step to do that is to get into industrial assembly. We can train more skilled workers and build an industry foundation by adopting phase-wise localization. As localization grows, technology transfer happens and industry expands. Mobile phone manufacturing can be that industry.
We have examples from countries where the mobile phone industry has transformed the whole economy Look at Samsung in Vietnam. In 2014, Samsung set up its first factory in Vietnam and today, Samsung has an investment of over $17 billion in the country. It contributes 28 percent in Vietnam's GDP, it has more than 100,000 employees and in terms of mobile phones, nearly $37 billion of exports are made by Samsung from Vietnam. When other countries saw Vietnam's growth, they have raised their hands to participate.
India is bidding to become the next China. In mobile phones, within three years of announcing a mobile manufacturing policy, they have 268 factories producing mobile phones and accessories with 61 brands in production including Samsung, Apple, Oppo, Vivo etc. They have now become the second largest mobile producer in the world after China. Last year India produced 225 million units and 95 percent of mobile phones sold in India are made in India.
Then there is Bangladesh. It started final product assembly–which is the first step– in 2017. Brands include Samsung, Oppo, Vivo, Infinix etc. and it is now assembling mobile phone motherboards as well.
PTI govt approves mobile phone manufacturing policy
https://tribune.com.pk/story/2226608/2-pti-govt-approves-mobile-phone-manufacturing-policy/
The mobile phone manufacturing policy would ensure "localisation and indigenisation of parts of mobile phones", said the finance ministry.
"The country faces a serious security threat as there is a growing concern of Indian-manufactured smartphones using other countries' Type Allocation Code within the initial eight-digit portion of the 15-digit International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) used to uniquely identify wireless devices," said the information technology ministry.
It may be technically very difficult for Pakistani authorities to identify and restrict the import of Indian assembled/manufactured smartphones with other countries' IMEI numbers, it added. Samsung is currently operating the world's largest mobile handset factory in India.
Under the Mobile Device Manufacturing Policy, parts of mobile handsets will be used in the entire range of mobile handsets produced in Pakistan instead of being limited to a particular model. The policy will have a positive impact on allied industries including packaging and plastic. The expected manufacturing of high-end brands would give the domestic industry an opportunity to become part of the global value chain, said the finance ministry.
The ECC approved the removal of regulatory duty charged on the import of completely and semi-knocked down (CKD/SKD) manufacturing devices by Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA)-approved manufacturers under the Input/Output Co-Efficient Organisation (IOCO)-approved import authorisation. The ECC approved the abolition of fixed income tax of up to Rs1,740 per handset on the CKD/SKD manufacturing of mobile devices having an import value of up to $350.
However, it increased the fixed income tax on the $351-500 category handsets by Rs2,000 or 37% to Rs7,400 per set. Similarly, the mobile sets having an import value of more than $500 will be subject to an additional Rs6,300 or 68% income tax, bringing total per handset income tax to Rs15,570.
The ECC approved the removal of a fixed sales tax on the CKD/SKD manufacturing of mobile devices.
PTA will also allow activation of handset manufacturing in the country under import authorisation under the special category to eliminate misdeclaration in the parts category at the import stage.
The activation of completely built units (CBUs) imported through notified routes after payment of all levied duties and taxes, as fixed by the government from time to time, will continue till further amendment.
The government also approved a research and development allowance of 3% for local manufacturers on the export of mobile phones. The locally assembled and manufactured phones will be exempt from a 4% withholding tax on domestic sales.
The government will maintain tariff differential between CBU imports and CKD/SKD manufacturing till the expiry of the policy. The domestic industry will ensure the use of local parts and components as per the road map in the draft policy.
#Pakistan Business Council warns accession to the World Trade Organization's (#WTO) treaty of free #trade of #IT products to break #cellphone & other #electric products #manufacturing dream. #technology #Smartphones #Electronics #informationtechnology https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/729918-pbc-warns-wto-treaty-to-break-it-manufacturing-dream
PBC, in a report on Thursday, expected the information technology agreement (ITA) to cause jobs and revenue losses and suppress potential for exports.
"The ITA will result in a net loss to the economy by replacing locally manufactured products with imported ready-to-sell products in the ITA listed categories," said the council. "This will not only undermine the efforts to encourage investment by electronics manufacturers in Pakistan, but it will also cost Pakistan its independence to apply policy interventions to gradually increase its product space for exporting electronic products."
The agreement aims to eliminate custom duties and reduce non-tariff measures which restrict trade in IT and electronic products. The goal is to increase global trade and competition in IT goods and services, increase adoption of technology and spur innovation in the sector. ITA accounts for 97 percent of world trade in IT and electronic products with trade volume of $3.7 trillion in 2019.
"There is an inconclusive evidence to suggest ITA is an appropriate avenue to expand a country's capability in manufacturing and exporting electronics and IT products," said the PBC. "Whilst counties that a signatory to the ITA have increased their IT and electronic product exports, non-signatories have also increased exports manifold."
India and Bangladesh use cascading tariff structure to increase localisation and manufacturing of electronics in their countries. India, being signatory to the agreement, is facing international disputes in the WTO for adopting policies for localising manufacturing of electronics, claiming them to be against the ITA protocols.
The information technology agreement is not bound on any member country of the WTO. It has so far been signed by advanced economies that already have strong exports base of IT products.
Pakistan's imports of ITA related products rose six-fold between 2003 and 2019, significantly higher than the global average. The imports recorded a compound annual growth rate of 13.2 percent during the period. The growth rate was much higher than the global average of 8.4 percent, according to the PBC
The business council said the country has experienced de-industrialisation due to policies that discourage manufacturing and make it easier to import finished products.
PBC said allowing across the board zero duty on components and finished, ready-to-sell electronics, will result in closure of existing manufacturing units, and also discourage additional investments in production facilities for electronics.
"By disallowing cascading of tariffs under ITA, and removing the advantage for local manufacturing, for example as envisaged in the mobile phones manufacturing policy, companies such as Samsung may lose interest to invest in smartphone assembly in Pakistan," it said. "Not only will this have an adverse impact on the external account, Pakistan will also miss opportunities to acquire technologies in manufacturing electronics by reducing the chances of foreign companies to enter Pakistan."
The council said the Federal Board of Revenue estimated revenue loss of Rs3.5 billion from 105 tariff lines following Pakistan's accession into the ITA.
Though imports of ITA-based products are a good proxy measure of technological adoption and accession to ITA will lead to zero-rated imports of electronics, it will further delay development of IT manufacturing sector.
Local mobile phone manufacturers have urged the Ministry of Industries and Production to implement Cabinet decision of exempting four percent withholding tax on the sale of Pakistan made handsets.
https://www.brecorder.com/news/40022762/4pc-wht-exemption-on-local-cellphones-sale-manufacturers-urge-ministry-to-implement-cabinet-decision
In a written letter to the Engineering Development Board (EDB) the Pakistan Mobile Phone Manufacturers Association (PMPMA) while urging the Ministry to exempt the sales of local manufactured cell phones from 4 percent withholding tax has requested for the implementation of June 2, 2020 Cabinet decision.
The letter was sent to Chief Executive Officer (CEO) EDB by PMPMA, copies of which have also been sent to Industries Minister and other Ministries, the Association revealed.
According to official sources the PMPMA since the approval of the mobile device manufacturing policy in June 2020, has repeatedly requested the relevant officials for the implementation of the policy in letter and spirit, so that they can optimise their operations but so far the ministry does not appear to be serious in implementing the policy.
This was the industry's perception after the meeting held in the office of Minister of Industries on 3rd September, 2020 and subsequent follow up meeting with the Chairman and CEO (EDB) held in Lahore on 18 September, 2020.
Pakistan Mobile Phone Manufacturers Association deliberated the issue and raised the following five point opinion in the letter: (i) the exemption of 4 percent withholding tax on local sales of locally manufactured mobile phones is an integral part of the mobile device manufacturing policy approved by the federal cabinet on 2nd June, 2020.
(ii) The exemption is absolutely critical to provide a level playing field to the local industry which consists of more than 15 manufacturers and provides employment to over 7 to 10 thousand. Moreover the local cell phone manufacturers are planning to expand their plants to produce more handsets to meet the local demand for mobile phones.
(iii) If the exemption, already approved under the MDMP, is not notified, it shall disturb the differential envisaged under the MDMP between the duty and taxes on CKD/SKD kits of locally manufactured mobile phones as compared to CBU imports into the country.
(v mobile phone industry is strategic a sector which, if properly incentivised, can provide employment opportunities to over 200,000 Pakistanis, and within a short period of time, create export opportunity worth billions of rupees.
Infinix #mobile phone factory in #Karachi is producing around 3 million mobile devices per year. It is reshaping the #smartphone experience in #Pakistan with its latest offerings. Here's how - Sponsored - DAWN.COM. https://www.dawn.com/news/1586440
Infinix, a leading smartphone brand in the Pakistani market has caused a stir in the world of tech in a short period of time.
Leading the future in the smartphone world in Pakistan, the brand has set new benchmarks in innovation-led manufacturing through cutting-edge technology, exquisitely designed dynamic smartphones, and conquered global life experiences with a winning combination of technology tossed with fashion.
Infinix is well known for being bold and forward-leaning.
Instead of playing it safe, it has taken the risk and moved fast. Instead of waiting for others, it has set the direction for competitors.
The tech innovator has completed five strong and successful years in the market, growing from strength to strength, becoming the most loved, and trusted choice in Pakistan; a legendary brand that challenges the norms with devices explicitly designed for the country's youth to learn about the opportunities and challenges of global expansion, focusing on fast-moving high-tech space.
Here's a rundown of Infinix's journey of becoming a success story in Pakistan.
The journey started in 2013 with a strategy of complete line of mobile devices.
With the SURF series 39's initial release, the brand introduced 'ALPHA' and unveiled the high-end 'Marvel series' which received fantastic response. The same year, Infinix broke through the market with the launch of the 'Zero series'. Its popularity with the masses instantly made it a premium smartphone brand in the emerging markets.
The company's success depended not only upon the quality product but also the reliability & benchmark it had set. During its trailblazing tenure in 2015, the brand witnessed top sales record for any single product with the launch of 'HOT'. Simultaneously, the 'NOTE series' was introduced to cater to the business and daily functionality for consumers.
Aware of the nature of its millennial audience and financial restraints, Infinix took a giant leap in 2016 by introducing a winning combination of tech and fashion, i.e. the 'S series.'
Infinix has currently been marked as the largest mobile phone production and assembly company in Pakistan. The existing factory produces 3 million units per year.
Infinix innovations have a clear purpose: represent infinite possibilities and distinctive characteristics.
Influenced by French designs and investments, they make life better and easier. The designs are more personal, intelligent, and deliver an experience that flows seamlessly and continuously wherever you go. It combines power and functionality, whether you are at work or play at home or away.
A brand that envisions phones as an expression of self-discovery and has struck a chord with users who prioritise fashion and technology through daily interactions, Infinix's range of intuitive products has become a lifestyle by default, representing intelligent and trend-setting experiences around the world.
In a developing country like Pakistan, smartphones, in general, are unable to reach the masses due to their high price points. Infinix designs smartphones for techies who are on the lookout for stylish and aesthetic designs at the best value for money.
Presence around the globe
The company has its footprints across the world; however, its contemporary design, the need for digital technology, and effective functionality have made it incredibly popular across more than 70 countries in South East Asia, South Asia, Africa, Latin America, and the Middle East.
Interest in cellphone assembly grows as smuggling falls
PTA has so far permitted 24 companies to assemble handsets in Pakistan
https://tribune.com.pk/story/2186936/interest-cellphone-assembly-grows-smuggling-falls
Last month, Pakistan began local manufacturing of mobile phones, which is expected to open further avenues of investment in the country and create employment opportunities.
Chinese company Transsion Holdings and Pakistan's Tecno Group have formed a joint venture called Transsion Tecno Electronics Ltd (TTE) with the Chinese company having 40% shareholding while the remaining 60% stake is held by the Pakistani firm.
The joint-venture company – the first 3G/4G smartphone manufacturing facility in Pakistan – has initial capacity to produce 1.8 million units annually on a single-shift basis with over 800 skilled workers below 30 years of age.
"The value of Pakistan's mobile phone market stands at Rs366 billion, which is even higher than the value of the auto sector which is around Rs360 billion," remarked TTE CEO Asif Allawala. "Interestingly, the government drafts policies conducive for the auto sector but ignores the mobile phone industry."
He added that the industry would not be able to sustain much longer if the import of smartphones remained cheaper than local manufacturing.
Mobile industry worldwide
The mobile phone sector ranks among the five biggest industries in the world with sales revenue of $522 billion and over 6 billion devices sold annually.
China has been enjoying the label of being the global hub of handset manufacturing since 2010. The country exports mobile phones worth over $150 billion a year.
However, the handset production is now moving out of China due to rising labour cost and a prolonged trade war with the US.
"On average, Chinese labour costs $600 per month while Pakistan's labour is much cheaper at only $120 per month," said the TTE CEO.
However, Pakistan still remains far behind in the race of providing cheap labour force as many other Asian nations are increasingly luring mobile phone assembly companies by offering low-cost workers.
Most of the demand for mobile phones stems from Asia and Africa while markets in Europe and North America are on a saturation point, hence, their trend remains more or less flat each year. This provides a further incentive to the mobile phone manufacturers to relocate their units to Asian nations.
According to Statista, 1.5 billion units of smartphones were sold in 2019 worldwide. The number had been 122 million in 2007.
Pakistan's market
Pakistan has 164 million cellular subscribers out of a population of 207 million. The country ranks seventh among world's largest handset importers.
Alone in 2015, the country saw 114 million mobile subscriber identity modules (SIMs) sold with 46 million supporting 3G/4G while 68 million were 2G subscribers.
"Due to its mammoth size, no global brand can ignore Pakistan's market," said TTE Director Aamir Allawala. "The country's annual market size, including 2G, 3G and 4G, is estimated at 34 million units."
That meant the country's demand for mobile phones remained in millions every year as a cellphone, especially smartphone, was changed by many consumers after two to three years, he said.
Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has successfully tackled the handset smuggling. Government's endeavours to curb grey channels have yielded results as the country recorded 110% increase in legally imported mobile phones in 2019 compared to 2018.
"According to analysis, an increase of 110% has been seen in legal import of devices from the formal channel," confirmed a PTA spokesperson to The Express Tribune.
Over more than a year ago, the government started blocking the mobile sets (smuggled phones) that were not approved by PTA with the help of Device Identification, Registration and Blocking System (DIRBS).
#Pakistan on brink of inking #industrial accord with #China for industrial cooperation to develop B2B joint ventures, build Special Economic Zones (SEZs) and industrialization under the second phase of #CPEC. #economy #industry #business #manufacturing https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/759243-pakistan-on-brink-of-inking-industrial-accord-with-china
"Prime Minister Imran Khan has already given approval to it. After consultation, both the countries will formally sign this framework agreement," a senior official said.
On Tuesday, representatives from both the countries held the fifth meeting of Joint Working Group (JWG) on industrial cooperation under CPEC through video conference.
The Chinese side appreciated the efforts undertaken by Pakistan to elevate the MoU (Memorandum of Understanding) on industrial cooperation into a Framework for an increased cooperation under CPEC and agreed to continue consultation for its signing at the earliest. They also hailed the idea of joint industrial diagnostic studies followed by an action plan.
Khashih-ur-Rehman, Additional Secretary/Executive Director General, Board of Investment (BOI) and Ying Xiong, Director General, National Development & Reform Commission (NDRC), China co-chaired the meeting. Representatives from line ministries, provincial governments, and embassies attended the meeting.
Rehman remarked that elevation of the MoU on IC (Industrial Cooperation) between Pakistan and China into a comprehensive framework would create new avenues for strengthening industrial cooperation under CPEC which is also open to third party participation.
Cooperation would likely enhance B2B and project to project (P2P) ties, balance and modernise existing industry, expedite SEZs development and promotion, seek technical and financial assistance from China, increase production capacity, and facilitate businesses with support of financial institutions from both sides, etc, he added.
Asim Ayub, Project Director of Project Management Unit (PMUC-CPEC-ICDP) on Industrial Cooperation of BoI, appreciated the Chinese side for accepting the Draft Framework Agreement shared by the Pakistani side in early November 2020.
Early signing of the Framework Agreement on IC would help both sides achieve maximum objectives of CPEC in line with its long-term Plan, Ayub said, adding that immense efforts had been ensured by Pakistani to devise the Draft Framework, taking all the provinces and other stakeholders on board and final approval of the Honorable Prime Minister was also obtained accordingly.
He stressed a Framework Agreement was the need of the hour for a measurable impact with regards to Industrial Cooperation, SEZs, Business to Business (B2B) and People to People (P2P) collaboration.
Ayub said Pakistan highly regarded the idea of Industrial Diagnosis by the Chinese side and extended its highest support to the group of experts from CIECC for the Textile Industrial Diagnosis last year. However, he was of the view that the Industrial Diagnosis needed to be carried out in a joint manner involving experts from both sides who might submit the Diagnosis Report to the JWG along with an Action Plan that would be imperative for the respective industrial sector.
The meeting also discussed progress made on Rashakai, Dhabeji, Alama Iqbal Industrial City, and Bostan SEZs under the CPEC, the revival project of Pakistan Steel Mill, China Pakistan Young Workers Exchange and Cooperation, and Karachi Coastal Comprehensive Development Zone.
Smartphones Policy to Create 50,000 Jobs in the Next Few Years
https://www.phoneworld.com.pk/smartphones-policy-to-create-50000-more-jobs-in-the-next-few-years/
There are about 16-18 cell phone manufacturers operating in Pakistan and a few others are coming. These plants are providing jobs to about 25,000 people – mostly young boys and girls. The industry experts are of the opinion that 50,000 more jobs will be created in the segment in the next few years. Some say that 70 per cent of jobs would be for women.
One auto parts manufacturer in Karachi delved into the smartphone assembling in the early days and is producing around 500,000 units a month for the local market. He is confident that the capacity would double in a year and the production will reach a million units a month.
Another player in Lahore is making a state-of-the-art mobile assembly facility which is going to be operational in January 2021. The aim is to reach 500,000 units a month by March-April; and by June-July, the facility will start expanding. The aim is to reach a million units a month by the end of 2021. The assembler is the biggest importer of smartphones in Pakistan and is doing backward integration.
The mobile phone formal industry is growing fast. In yesteryears, around 800,000-900,000 units used to be imported a month in Pakistan through formal channels. After the induction of Device Identification, Registration and Blocking System (DIRBS), illegal imports of the phone is no longer possible. Due to this and lockdown, smartphone imports went up to 2-2.2 million in June 20. Overall, the monthly average import in Pakistan is standing around 1.3-1.5 million units a month in 2020.
Majority of the phones are in the category of $200 or low, and all these would probably be assembled in Pakistan within a couple of years. Any company that would not decide to assemble in Pakistan could be wiped out in the cheap smartphone segment. That could be a worry for Samsung. The company operates in all segments. Its premium phones would keep on coming as imported units – but the segment is small. If the company doesn't start assembling here, it risks losing market share. it is still mulling on the assembly idea.
Apart from Samsung, big Chinese brands such as VIVO and OPPO are also weighing options of starting assembly in Pakistan, and VIVO could be one big player in a few years in the local market assembling. Once big companies come in and set up units in Pakistan, parts manufacturing may start taking place at home. There will be a huge spillover for the local assemblers.
The smartphone policy is envisaging in stage 1 (2020-21) to start assembling units here – that is happening and credit goes to EDB and Ministry of Industries. In stage 2, the plan is to have a charger, Bluetooth, handsfree, and motherboard (PCB) assembly by 2022. Housing and other plastic parts manufacturing to start in 2023, and stage 4 is to make display and battery by 2025.
For all these steps, big Chinese and Korean players should come and assemble here. PM Imran Khan should take this initiative and talk at the government-to-government level. The ground is being laid. The industry players are charged, the gaps in cellphone and data penetration still exist and the government needs to work on rolling the right infrastructure. The smartphone assembly could well be the first step of Pakistan venturing into the tech hardware.
Declining COVID19 Reproduction Rate in Pakistan Now Among the World's Lowest
London's Imperial College estimates that COVID19 pandemic in Pakistan is "on course to fade out", a testimony to Prime Minister Imran Khan's government's effective handling of the the ongoing global health crisis. At just 0.74, the effective coronavirus reproduction rate (Rt) in Pakistan is among the lowest in the world. An Rt of less than 1 indicates each infected person is infecting fewer than one person. Only Italy (0.63), Netherlands (0.62), Canada (0.50) and Spain (0.02) have lower reproduction rates than Pakistan's. However, this is no time to relax. Pakistanis need to continue to take all precautions, including wearing face masks, to ensure that COVID19 fades out in the country. COVID19 Effective Reproductive Rate. Source: Imperial College, London, UK Pakistan's coronavirus transmission rate is lowest in its region. Neighboring India's Rt is 1.14, Iran's 1.12, Bangladesh 0.96 and Afghanistan's 0.93 are all significantly higher t
Turkish-Born Muslim Scientists Behind Pfizer's Successful COVID19 Vaccine
Pfizer has announced today that its COVID19 vaccine has been found to be more than 90% effective in its recently concluded large-scale trial. The two key scientists who developed this vaccine are Turkish-born Muslims named Dr. Ugur Sahin and his wife Dr. Ozlem Tureci, according to media reports . The couple started BioNTech, a technology startup based in Germany, to develop treatments using messenger RNA (mRNA) technology. A Morocco-born Muslim scientist Dr. Moncef Mohamad Slaoui is leading Operation WARP Speed announced by President Donald Trump to rapidly develop and distribute a coronavirus vaccine in the United States. Covid19 pandemic is the biggest challenge the world faces today. Muslim scientists are in the forefront of dealing with this challenge. This is particularly notable in a world where Islamophobia has gone mainstream in recent years. Dr. Sahin and Dr. Tureci The Scientist Couple: Dr. Sahin, 55, is the son of a Turkish Muslim immigrant who worked at a Ford factor
Karachi-born NED University Alum Leads Mercedes Entry into Electric Vehicles Market
Pakistani-German Sajjad Khan is leading German luxury carmaker Mercedes-Benz's entry into the electric vehicle market with six new all-electric "EQ" models, according to media reports . Sajjad Khan was born in Karachi and graduated from NED Engineering University with a degree in computer science. Sajjad Khan, Executive Vice President, Mercedes Electric Vehicles Sajjad Khan is currently executive vice president and a board member of Stuttgart-based Daimler. He is partnering with entrepreneurs around the world, including those in Silicon Valley where Mercedes has a development team of over 300 people in Sunnyvale, California. Mercedes-Benz EQS line is the first to utilize the new electric architecture designed for high-end luxury and executive EV models. Prior to the CES 2021 show in Las Vegas, Sajjad Khan has unveiled details of Mercedes' 56 inch MBUX Hyperscreen system that represents the latest evolution of the automaker's MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) central co
Riaz Haq
I am the Founder and President of PakAlumni Worldwide, a global social network for Pakistanis, South Asians and their friends. I also served as Chairman of the NEDians Convention 2007. In addition to being a South Asia watcher, an investor, business consultant and avid follower of the world financial markets, I have more than 25 years experience in the hi-tech industry. I have been on the faculties of Rutgers University and NED Engineering University and cofounded two high-tech startups, Cautella, Inc. and DynArray Corp and managed multi-million dollar P&Ls. I am a pioneer of the PC and mobile businesses and I have held senior management positions in hardware and software development of Intel's microprocessor product line from 8086 to Pentium processors. My experience includes senior roles in marketing, engineering and business management. I was recognized as "Person of the Year" by PC Magazine for my contribution to 80386 program. I have an MS degree in Electrical engineering from the New Jersey Institute of Technology. www.pakalumni.com http://www.riazhaq.com http://southasiainvestor.blogspot.com
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Home » World Scene » Americas » Erich Maria Remarque
Americas Arts & culture
Erich Maria Remarque in his villa in Switzerland in 1961 (©Wikimedia)
https://www.radionetherlandsarchives.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Remarque-Aural-Tapestry.mp3
In this edition of our arts programme Aural Tapestry, we mark the 100th anniversary of the birth of one of the world's most widely published writers, Erich Maria Remarque. He is especially remembered for "All Quiet on the Western Front", his heart-rending and realistic depiction of the life of a soldier in the First World War. Remarque wrote many highly praised novels, such as "Flotsam" (1939) and "Arch of Triumph" (1945), and many of his books were also filmed. Fleeing from Nazi Germany, Remarque became a member of "Weimar on the Pacific", the community of Germany's intellectual and cultural elite in exile in California, and he was intimately connected to Hollywood.
Producer: Marijke van der Meer
Stories of Our Century: "All Quiet on the Western Front"
The silver screen, a golden past: Part 3 - The movies at war
Footnotes from the fields: A new generation learns about the First World War
cinema and literature
war and literature

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


August has shown us the best of humanity, and through tears of joy and sorrow, it has offered us hope. We so desperately need hope. We need to believe in the goodness of the human spirit, in what unites us all – our raw, deep down humanity, our will to survive and thrive.
Earlier this month, we saw people lining up, camping, and gazing skyward in unity at the beauty and wonder of the eclipse. Caught up in the awe of nature, of science, of God's creation. We now see people launching boats in streets swollen with water to rescue strangers, animal rescuers descending to make room for displaced critters, and people around the world donating in ways big and small to help those in South Texas with hurricane Harvey. It is these images that give us hope.
Admittedly, this Texas farmgirl has been glued to the news in the mornings and evenings, keeping a watchful eye on my Twitter feed throughout the day, and checking on friends in Houston as they wait and watch. Doing my best to go through the workday, but in the back of my mind thinking all the while about what is important in this life. Watching as the dogs and cats and horses and donkeys laze around the farm unaware of the world in peril, getting some sort of peace observing their peace and knowing Cowboy and I would do anything to safeguard our little zoo.
My faith in God is such an important part of my personal journey, and continues to grow and expand as I watch these beautiful moments when we come together with the best that we are, offering all that we have in order to help a fellow soul.
There is nothing more beautiful than connecting to your fellow humans – reach out, hold someone's hand, say a prayer, offer a hug.
When I first sat down to write this post, I wanted to talk about how we've all gotten into an us vs. them mentality, and how it is pulling us apart. How at some point, all of us are part of a them group to someone.
And while I could argue until I am out of breath as to why this latest attempt to divide us is wrong and heartbreaking and ill timed on so many levels, it's become clear to me that we simply cannot give hate or those who look to divide us any more airtime. It is enough. Silence may be our greatest gift to each other. If no one is listening to the dividers, then they no longer become dividers, and we become the uniters.
The beauty of our world is that we can all communicate quickly, loudly, and hopefully thoughtfully. The curse is that we can all communicate quickly, loudly, and if not careful not so thoughtfully.
So as we watch the tragedies that surround us, let us share the beautiful stories. Let us link our hands with our neighbors in comfort and solidarity. Let us remember that there is far more good than evil. We just have to make our voices thoughtfully and beautifully heard.
P.S. If like me you grew up in a church that had a limited view of love and are looking for a breath of fresh air, might I suggest checking out Love Wins by Rob Bell. You might just find a little respite for your soul.
P.P.P.S. For all of those who have checked on us at the farm during this storm, thank you for thinking of us. The farm was never in danger, as we are several hours from the coast. However, knowing you care means a lot. God bless!
P.P.P.P.S. A version of this post was published in the Glen Rose Reporter. This farmgirl is delighted to serve as a community columnist.


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Bhumi Pednekar: Have loved delivering the punches in 'Govinda Naam Mera'
Elaborating on the same, the actress says, "I honestly have loved delivering the punches in the film and I have to admit that I have been given some of the most hilarious punchlines by Shashank (Khaitan, the director). What I love the most about my dialoguebaazi (punchy dialogues) in 'Govinda Naam Mera' is that they are from the heroine's side and that's refreshing for a romantic comedy in the Hindi film industry because traditionally only heroes used to get all the great dialogues in a genre like this and make people laugh."
Mumbai | Saturday, 03 December 2022 | 04:13 PM 04:13 PM
Bollywood actress Bhumi Pednekar, who plays Vicky Kaushal's bombshell wife in the upcoming streaming movie 'Govinda Naam Mera', shares that her character has the most hilarious dialogues in the film and that the makers have subverted the industry norm by giving the punchlines to the female character.
She lauds the film's producer Karan Johar and the director as she adds, "I'm glad that my producer Karan Johar and my director Shashank Khaitan thought of subverting the norm and empowering a girl to deliver some of the most cracking dialogues that I have seen on screen in recent times. Gauri Waghmare is literally one of my most favourite characters that I have played on screen."
Talking about her character, Bhumi mentions that she is an equal to a man and constantly reminds a man that her gender doesn't make her inferior and that she is the master of her own actions and decisions.
The film, which also stars Kiara Advani and Vicky Kaushal, is produced by Dharma Productions, and will stream on Disney+ Hotstar from December 16.
Bhumi Pednekar
'Indian Idol 13': KJo conveys Madhuri's message for 'Papa Shivam' Singh


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Home > Legal Topic > Refugee Law > Making a refugee claim > Can I make a refugee claim in Canada?
Can I make a refugee claim in Canada?
1. Learn who can get refugee protection in Canada
2. Learn who can't make a refugee claim
3. Get legal help as soon as possible
Refugee Law - Making a refugee claim
Can I make a refugee claim in Canada if I'm coming from the U.S.?
What happens if I make a refugee claim from inside Canada?
What happens if I make a refugee claim when I arrive in Canada?
Learn more about this topic
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This question has an answer and 3 steps
If you're afraid to return to your home country, you may be able to make a refugee claim. To be accepted as a refugee in Canada, you must be either a:
Convention refugee, or
person in need of protection.
To get refugee protection, you must go through a refugee claim process. The process depends on whether you make your refugee claim:
inside Canada,
at a port of entry, such as an airport, land border crossing, or marine port, or
at the Canada-US border.
Most people who make a refugee claim have the right to a hearing at the Refugee Board. It can take some time before you have a hearing because of scheduling delays at the Refugee Board.
The Refugee Board decides if you meet the definition of a Convention refugee or a person in need of protection. If you meet the definition, your refugee claim will be accepted, you will become a protected person, and you can apply to become a permanent resident of Canada.
People who are not eligible
Some people are not eligible to make a refugee claim. You won't be able to make a claim if you:
have a removal order against you
have Convention refugee status in another country that you can return to
made a refugee claim in Canada in the past and it was rejected, withdrawn, or abandoned
committed a serious crime or did something that broke human rights laws
arrived from the United States, which Canada says is a safe third country and the rules apply to you
There are new rules proposed for people who made a refugee claim in another country before coming to Canada. If these rules become law, these people will not be eligible to make a refugee claim in Canada. Get legal advice if this applies to you.
If you want to make a refugee claim, you should get legal help as soon as possible. Refugee law is complicated. If you make a mistake on your application, you might not be able to stay in Canada.
NEXT STEP - 1. Learn who can get refugee protection in Canada SEE NEXT STEPS
For Canada to accept you as a refugee, you must be either a:
Convention refugee
You might be a Convention refugee if you can't return to your home country because you're afraid that you'll be persecuted there.
Persecuted means that you're likely to experience repeated and serious:
harm,
mistreatment,
discrimination, or
violations of your most basic human rights.
It must be likely that you will experience some or all of these things if you return to your home country.
And you must have a good reason to fear you'll be persecuted for one or more of the following reasons:
your race
your nationality
your political opinion
your membership in a social group, which includes women who have experienced domestic violence, people who are persecuted because of their sexual orientation or gender identity, and other groups
You don't have to show that you've already been persecuted. But you do have to show that there's a serious possibility you'll be persecuted if you return home.
Person in need of protection
You might be a person in need of protection if you can't return to your home country because you'll face at least one of the following risks:
a risk to your life, or
a risk of cruel and unusual treatment or punishment.
If you claim there is a risk to your life or a risk of cruel and unusual treatment or punishment, you also have to show that:
the risk is specific to you, and you're at a greater risk than other people in your country who face a similar risk
the risk is not because of a law, such as a punishment for committing a crime, unless the law goes against international human rights standards
the risk is not because there is no medical care in your country, unless you can't get care because you're being persecuted or discriminated against
What else you need to prove
To be either a Convention refugee or a person in need of protection, you have to show that both of the following statements are true:
The government in your country can't or won't protect you. This means you don't have "state protection". If you're afraid of the government, the military, or the police, it's important that you explain this.
You don't have an "internal flight alternative" or a place in your country where you could live safely and where it's reasonable for you to go.
You might also have to answer questions about when and how you left your country, and how long it took you to make a refugee claim in Canada, especially if there were delays.
You won't be eligible to make a refugee claim if you:
have Convention refugee status in another country and you can return there
made a refugee claim in Canada before and it was rejected, withdrawn, or abandoned
arrived from the Unites States, which Canada says is a safe third country and the rules apply to you
If you're not eligible to make a refugee claim:
you will not have a hearing at the Refugee Board, and
you might be removed from Canada.
Risk of detention
You might be detained while arrangements are made for you to be removed from Canada. For example, you might be detained if immigration officials think you won't show up for your removal.
You have the right to know the reason you're being detained. You also have the right to a hearing within 48 hours of being detained and the right to hire a legal representative.
If you're not eligible to make a refugee claim, you might be able to apply for a Pre-Removal Risk Assessment (PRRA). A PRRA is a written application where you explain why you're afraid to return to your country and you provide documents to support your fear.
If you're thinking of making a refugee claim, try to get legal advice from a refugee lawyer as soon as possible. If you don't make your claim as soon as you can, you might not be able to get refugee protection and you'll have to leave Canada.
A lawyer can help you understand:
how to complete your application forms without mistakes or inconsistencies that could affect your claim
what evidence you can try to get to help you prove your claim
what problems you might have proving your claim
what you can do if you're not eligible to make a claim, including any other ways you might be able to delay your removal or apply to stay in Canada permanently
An "authorized representative" is someone who you pay to give you legal help with an immigration issue. An authorized representative must be:
a lawyer or paralegal who is licensed by the Law Society of Ontario, or
an immigration consultant who is registered with the Immigration Consultants of Canada Regulatory Council (ICCRC).
An authorized representative must follow rules about being honest and doing a good job. If they break these rules, they can be suspended or lose their licence to practice law.
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Love is everywhere, it really is, love is in all aspects of our lives. And love is revealed (or its absence is revealed) wherever we look too.
And the following 5 inspirational love quotes (and explanations) go some small way in showing this to be true. Enjoy. Oh, and love – always love!
Here, Ingrid Bergman refers to a love that all of us yearn for, fondly remember or even actively participate in: romantic love!
And perhaps what Bertrand is really saying here is that love is the greatest opportunity that life presents to any of us. And a life that makes best use of opportunities is a life best lived, is a happy life.
And I guess Henry Drummond, with these words, is in agreement.
I guess he's saying that life really is more fun when love has been behind what we do. Much more enabling, much more empowering, much MORE… than when fear is the motive behind our actions.
And the meek will well and truly have inherited the world too, Jimi, when this happens. But I think we are a long way off this 'perfect' state.
Still, you can never ever underestimate the power of love. Nor the power of patience.
So maybe one day we will ALL more fully embrace the power of love in our lives, accept fuller responsibility for how we *do* love and how we receive it.