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July 25, 2026
Pakistan has invited Samsung to use the country as a regional manufacturing and export hub for smartphones, encouraging the company to expand exports to Africa and other emerging markets.
Pakistan is seeking to strengthen its position in the global electronics supply chain by encouraging Samsung to expand local smartphone manufacturing and use the country as a regional export base.
During a meeting with Samsung Pakistan’s leadership, Commerce Minister Jam Kamal Khan invited the technology company to move beyond serving Pakistan’s domestic market and leverage its local manufacturing facilities to export smartphones to Africa and other emerging markets.
The minister said Pakistan’s growing manufacturing capabilities present an opportunity to integrate more closely into global supply chains, positioning the country as a competitive destination for technology production and exports.
The discussions also explored Samsung’s proposal to establish certified mobile phone refurbishment facilities in Pakistan. The initiative would enable original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to refurbish used devices locally, offering consumers quality-assured smartphones backed by warranties while creating skilled employment and supporting the development of technical expertise.
Samsung representatives briefed the government on the progress of Pakistan’s mobile phone manufacturing industry and highlighted the company’s continued investment in local assembly operations. They also raised concerns regarding recent changes to the tariff structure, noting that the reduced tariff gap between Semi Knocked Down (SKD) kits and Completely Built Units (CBUs) has affected the competitiveness of locally manufactured smartphones.
The delegation urged the government to maintain an appropriate tariff differential to encourage continued investment in domestic manufacturing and support the growth of Pakistan’s electronics industry.
Samsung also expressed concerns about the commercial import of used mobile phones, arguing that such imports reduce demand for locally manufactured devices despite the country’s growing production capacity. Instead, the company proposed promoting certified refurbished phones produced through authorized refurbishment centers, providing consumers with reliable alternatives while supporting local industry.
Responding to the proposals, Jam Kamal acknowledged the industry’s concerns and said they would be reviewed within the broader fiscal policy framework. He emphasized that future incentives should prioritize investment, technology transfer, higher local value addition, export growth, and genuine manufacturing rather than dependence on imported products.
The minister directed industry stakeholders to submit detailed recommendations covering certified refurbishment, export opportunities, investment commitments, and international best practices to support the development of Pakistan’s revised Mobile Device Manufacturing Policy.
He further noted that any future decisions regarding the import of used mobile phones should be evidence-based, implemented gradually, and supported by the availability of certified locally refurbished alternatives to protect consumer interests.
Reaffirming the government’s commitment to industrial development, Jam Kamal said Pakistan offers significant opportunities for global technology companies and expressed confidence that stronger collaboration with international manufacturers such as Samsung would contribute to increased investment, employment generation, technology transfer, and export growth.
