.:: SAMAA - TUSDEC-NIE ink MoU to promote electronics

LAHORE: Technology Upgradation & Skill Development Company (TUSDEC) and National Institute of Electronics (NIE) have agreed to work together to help revive the electronics sector in Pakistan. According to a TUSDEC news release received here Saturday, these two organizations inked an MOU in this regard in Islamabad.Saifullah Khan Sherwani,Federal Secretary Ministry of Science and Technology was the chief guest on the occasion. The MOU would provide an institutional framework to both the organizations to jointly move on fast- track basis to jump-start electronics industry through a number of key initiatives. Through this understanding, TUSDEC and NIE agreed to design and execute initiatives aimed at setting up Common Facility and Training Centres (CFTC) 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 centre would focus on home appliances and consumer electronics,stated the release. Saifullah Sherwani, Federal Secretary Science and Technology emphasized the significance of intimate linkage between the research and Development institutes and the industrial sector. Suhael Ahmed, CEO TUSDEC pointed out that Pakistan electronics import exceeded US$ 2.3 Billion in 2007-08 with negligible exports while mobile phone alone cost an import bill close to US$ 1 Billion. He lamented that Pakistan's industry never made conscious efforts to reduce imports nor entered into exports ignoring a US$ 2.4 Trillion market. Director General NIE, Air Vice Marshal, Tariq Matin expressed the hope that partnership would pave a way for significant development of otherwise neglected consumer electronics market.