Electronics Complex proposed at Lahore

Lahore: Technology Upgradation and Skill Development Company (Tusdec) and National Institute of Electronics (NIE) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with an objective to work together for the revival of electronics sector in Pakistan.

According to the Tusdec spokesman, the agreement would provide an institutional framework to both the organisations to jointly move on fast-track basis to jump-start electronics industry through a number of initiatives.

Under the agreement, Tusdec and NIE would set up Common Facility and Training Centres (CFTCs) based on the concept of Electronic Manufacturing Services (EMS) to uplift local industry by importing contemporary technology, machinery, obtaining training and skill enhancement together with practical production training.

The proposed Electronics Complex at Lahore would focus on mobile phones and telecommunications sector while Karachi sector would focus on home appliances and consumer electronics.

Speaking at the MoU signing ceremony, Chief Executive Officer, Tusdec, Suhael Ahmed said that Pakistan's electronics imports exceeded 2.3 billion dollar in the financial year 2007-08 with negligible exports while mobile phones alone cost one billion dollar.

He lamented that Pakistan's industry neither made a conscious effort to reduce imports nor entered in to exports, ignoring a 2.4 trillion dollars world market. NIE Director General Tariq Matin hoped that partnership between Tusdec and NIE would pave a way for significant development of otherwise neglected consumer electronics market. He also dilated upon NIE's current and future projects.