Almas Haider, the head of the Engineering Development Board, claims that local manufacturing accounts for 97% of Pakistanis’ use of mobile phones (EDB). All mobile phones, with the exception of one brand, are produced locally.
He made the remarks at a panel discussion on alternative energy sources, “Solar panel and allied equipment manufacturing policies,” held by the EDB.He stated that EDB has received a $1.25 million order for the first shipment of mobile phones that would be exported.
He claimed that EDB is working to localise solar panels.Federal Minister for Industries and Production Murtaza Mehmood claims that the government is developing a comprehensive framework for the solar industry. Public buildings and agricultural tube wells are to be converted to solar power under this policy.
According to a national assessment, Pakistan’s demand for solar energy (both off-grid and on-grid) was predicted to be around 4 GW in 2022 and to climb to about 6-7 GW in the following two years, according to a federal minister.
It was crucial to look for solutions to encourage and provide incentives for local manufacturing of solar panels and related equipment because of the huge demand, he stated.He continued by saying that a 5-year plan was necessary to further simplify the tax and tariff structure in order to level the playing field for nearby manufacturers.
He claims that the administration’s goal is to promote the nation’s transition to solar energy by offering incentives like tax reductions and the duty-free import of equipment and plant.
Murtaza Mehmood also asserts that Pakistan’s solar industry is unable to compete with that of China since solar panels are made there at a lower cost.He emphasised that the government is focused on removing hurdles for local firms while urging the private sector to remain competitive in the global market.
