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Mobile phone import dips by 12 percent
« on: April 29, 2008, 02:21:59 PM »
Mobile phone import dips by 12 percent

By Romail Kenneth

KARACHI: Country’s mobile phone import has plunged by 12.05 percent in the first nine months of current fiscal year inspite of constant growth in cellular subscribers.

During July 2007-March 2008, mobile phones worth $581.7 million were imported against $661.5 million during the same period last year.

While, on the whole the telecom import registered an increase of 0.8 percent, as worth of $1.64 billion of mobile phone and telecom equipment were imported during July 2007- March 2008 of the current fiscal year as compared with $1.63 billion during the same period in July 2006 – March 2007.

In March 2008, mobile phones worth $74.4 million were imported, registering a decrease of 23.19 percent when compared to March 2007 figure of $96.8 million.

Adeel Hashmi, communication manager, Nokia said, “our company has maintained its market share and volumes in the last quarter despite political challenges and market competition.”

“The decline in mobile phone import may be due to the country’s strategic situation and local factors but that has not affected Nokia’s market share or volume. Our commitment to local market is stable and our business numbers are intact and we see major growth for in the Pakistani market, which will be a contribution from all socio-economic segments of the society,” he added.

According to Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), mobile phone subscribers have crossed 80 million mark. The PTA data shows that Pakistan is a lucrative market, where about 2 to 3 million subscribers are being added every month.

On this phenomenon, the industry analysts are of the view that high inflation rate in the country has pushed the consumers to buy cheaper handsets or second hand mobile phone. Realizing the fact, mobile phone manufacturing companies are launching cheaper mobile sets, which are becoming popular among the people.

Apart from this, the manufacturing facility of mobile handsets and other telecom equipments is still lacking in Pakistan, even though the government is attracting foreign companies to invest in this area as there is a continuous demand for telecom related equipment in the country.
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Daily Times
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