Mobile phone makers seek conducive policies
Mobile manufacturers have urged the government to adopt conducive policies to encourage large-scale assembly of smartphones, which will also boost exports. In a letter to the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), which is currently finalising taxation proposals for the upcoming budget, the Pakistan Mobile Phone Manufacturers Association (PMPMA) highlighted that the existing tariff structure favoured the import of finished products. In contrast, up to 50 per cent of high duties were imposed on parts, raw materials, and accessories used for local phone assembly. “There is around 10pc additional cost in assembling various parts to make a finished product, while import of mobile charger, hands-free, Bluetooth devices, etc are zero-rated,” senior member of PMPMA Zeeshan Miannoor said.