Govt eyes mobile policy, exports
Special Assistant to the Prime Minister, Haroon Akhtar Khan, conducted a Zoom meeting with Amir Allahwala, CEO of Transsion Techno, and representatives of the Engineering Development Board to discuss the Mobile Phone Device Policy.
According to a statement released on Friday, the meeting focused on key issues including the mobile phone device policy, challenges related to tariff duties, mobile phone exports, as well as the market for used cars and used mobile phones. The discussion also covered technological innovation.
As per the statement, Khan highlighted that 38 mobile phone companies in Pakistan have created 40,000 jobs, underscoring the significant potential of the mobile phone industry to export products globally.
He emphasised that under the directives of the prime minister, the government's priority is to promote the industrial sector. Incentivising the industry and increasing exports remain top priorities.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Business Recorder
6 hours ago
- Business Recorder
Bankruptcy law reforms to boost industrial stability: SAPM Haroon Akhtar
Special Assistant to the Prime Minister (SAPM) on Industries and Production Haroon Akhtar Khan on Wednesday said that proposed reforms to Pakistan's bankruptcy legislation will serve as a 'comprehensive and supportive legal framework' to ensure industrial stability and revive struggling enterprises. He made these remarks while chairing a high-level meeting of sub-committees on the Bankruptcy Law and prevention of undue harassment by state authorities, according to a press release. The meeting was attended by PM's Coordinator Rana Ehsan Afzal, representatives from the Pakistan Business Council, Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP), various chambers of commerce, the Anti-Money Laundering authority, and other stakeholders. Pakistan plans to revisit FTAs, mulls bankruptcy law The committees proposed amendments to the Corporate Rehabilitation Act, 2018, including the removal of eligibility thresholds based on receivables, a formal mechanism for stay orders through judicial directives, relief for companies facing winding-up orders, inclusion of companies availing relief under SBP Circular No. 29, and a comprehensive system for asset valuation and mediation. The Corporate Restructuring Companies Act, 2016, was also reviewed, with the committee noting that the Corporate Rehabilitation Board's operations have been delayed due to stringent appointment criteria and budgetary constraints. Khan said the reforms will encourage banks and borrowers to work together under a collaborative framework. Govt to save Rs70bn annually through 100 reforms across 24 ministries The subcommittee on undue institutional harassment also proposed a legal framework to protect the autonomy of the SECP and promote foreign investment through a non-political, interference-free environment. 'Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's vision is clear: to revive sick industrial units and eliminate undue harassment from state authorities,' Khan said, praising the sub-committees' work and commitment to business-friendly reforms.
Business Recorder
5 days ago
- Business Recorder
Imported, local cars: Govt, PAMA agree on equal safety standards
ISLAMABAD: The government and the Pakistan Automotive Manufacturers Association (PAMA) have agreed upon equal safety standards for imported and local manufactured cars. The development came here on Friday during a meeting between a delegation of PAMA who called on the Special Assistant to the Prime Minister (SAPM) on Industries and Production Haroon Akhtar Khan. During the meeting, the PAMA delegation presented their demands to the ministry and said that a custom duty at 40 percent must be imposed on all the imported vehicles, reduction in depreciation allowance from one percent to 0.5 percent, introduction of testing regime as well as proper dealership network and review of valuation mechanism to discourage import of used vehicles in view of investment already made by renowned companies. They further urged clarity on future auto policy especially review/revision of tariff in line with National Tax Policy (NTP), provision of adequate protection to local manufacturing vis-à-vis imports, implementation plan for WP-29 regulations to be adopted in future, promotion of local manufactured auto parts and government support for export promotion. The industry urged the ministry to further clarify on the upcoming 'Motor Vehicle Industry Development Act 2025,' saying act may cover detailed mechanism for testing, performance, implementation of regulations in coordinated manners. Moreover, the act should cover responsibilities of both the government and the Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) industry and before the passage detailed discussions should be carried out on the matter. The meeting was attended by key representatives from PAMA, Secretary of the Ministry of Industries and Production Saif Anjum, and CEO of the Engineering Development Board (EDB). The agenda of the meeting focused on reviewing and enhancing the quality standards for both imported and locally-manufactured vehicles in Pakistan. Addressing the participants, SAPM Haroon Akhtar Khan emphasised the government's unwavering commitment to public safety, stating, 'The lives of our citizens are precious, and ensuring their safety is the government's top priority.' He underscored that international safety and quality standards will be applied uniformly to all imported and locally manufactured vehicles. 'These standards are not only essential for the protection of human lives but also play a vital role in environmental preservation,' he added. To implement the new standards effectively, it was agreed that the EDB and the automotive manufacturers will work in close coordination and consultation. Meanwhile, earlier in the day, the SAPM, held a meeting with the Ambassador of Uzbekistan, Alisher Tukhtaev, to discuss the forthcoming visit to Uzbekistan and avenues for enhancing bilateral cooperation. During the meeting, both sides deliberated on strengthening ties in light of the Prime Minister's Vision and directives, emphasising enhanced trade, investment, and mutual collaboration. Discussions also covered potential agreements aimed at deepening economic relations between the two countries. Key areas of focus included trade cooperation, B2B engagements, and the establishment of a warehouse in Peshawar to support logistics and commerce. The two dignitaries also explored collaboration in various sectors such as industry, agriculture, transport, mining, and minerals. Khan highlighted the potential for joint ventures in the tractor and mining industries, and stressed the importance of identifying new opportunities to achieve the $2 billion trade target with Uzbekistan. He shared plans for delegations from both countries to hold meetings in sectors including information technology, e-commerce, and banking. The Uzbek ambassador expressed keen interest in Pakistan's textile industry and invited SAPM Haroon Akhtar Khan to visit Uzbekistan's Techno Park. Additionally, the ambassador showed interest in Pakistan's pharmaceutical sector. SAPM Haroon Akhtar Khan noted that Uzbekistan imports $3 billion worth of pharmaceutical products annually, presenting a significant opportunity for Pakistan's pharma industry. He added that both countries would also collaborate in emerging fields such as Artificial Intelligence and e-commerce to drive innovation and economic growth. At the conclusion of the meeting, SAPM Haroon Akhtar Khan presented a traditional souvenir to Ambassador Alisher Tukhtaev as a gesture of goodwill and to commemorate the strengthening ties between Pakistan and Uzbekistan. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
7 days ago
- Business Recorder
EVs: 2 German firms keen to train technicians in Pakistan
ISLAMABAD: Two German tech companies have expressed serious interest in providing technical training to Pakistani firms and developing electric vehicles (EVs)-related infrastructure in the country. The development came during a meeting on EVs chaired by Special Assistant to the Prime Minister (SAPM) on Industries and Production Haroon Akhtar Khan with a special focus on EV skills training. The meeting was attended by representatives from the National Vocational and Technical Training Commission (NAVTTC), two German companies namely, Lucas Nülle and the Institute of Motor Industry (IMI) along with the officials from the Engineering Development Board (EDB). The agenda focused on the urgent need to develop skilled technicians for the growing electric vehicle industry in Pakistan. Discussions were held on the current gap in skills required for EV maintenance and services, and how to address these challenges through international collaborations and structured training programmes. Lucas Nülle and IMI expressed keen interest in partnering with NAVTTC to provide technical training in Pakistan aligned with international best practices. SAPM Haroon Akhtar Khan emphasised that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif envisions the successful implementation of Pakistan's electric vehicle policy, which requires a strong foundation of skilled human resources. He added that once electric vehicles become in mainstream on Pakistani roads, there will be a substantial demand for professionals trained in EV maintenance and battery services. 'The development of a skilled workforce in this sector will create widespread employment opportunities and contribute significantly to the national economy.' The SAPM further highlighted that all training models should be designed according to international standards to ensure global competitiveness. He termed trained EV technicians as a national asset. To move forward, Haroon Akhtar Khan directed the EDB and the Ministry of Industries and Production to work in close coordination with NAVTTC and the German companies to formulate a comprehensive training and implementation proposal. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
