PAKISTAN has proposed an ambitious plan to build a semi-conductors zone with the help of China.
During recent visit of Prime Minister Imran Khan to Beijing, shifting of semi-conductors industry was discussed and in an interview the other day Minister for Information and Broadcasting Ch Fawad Hussain said that Chinese investors have expressed keen interest to join hands with Pakistan in this field.
The realisation of this project will help Pakistan in acquiring self-sufficiency in preparing modern gadgets and exporting them to earn valuable foreign exchange.
Semi-conductors, also referred to as integrated circuits or microchips, are all pervasive these days.
Being an essential component of electronic devices, ranging from cell phones to computers, cars, medical equipment etc, they are an important source of productivity in any modern economy.
This is the reason that more countries are now pouring in billions of dollars into chip fabrication plants.
Also in our neighbourhood, India approved a semi-conductor policy back in 2020 to attract investment in the semi-conductor industry.
We in fact stand a better chance to benefit from immense potential of this industry given our close relationship with China that has emerged on the world map as a high tech giant and willing to invest in Pakistan.
We should extend full cooperation to Chinese investors in order to realise establishment of semi-conductors zone in the minimum possible time in order to take a big leap forward in technological advancement.
A big opportunity is knocking at our doors and we should not miss it.
Development of high tech industry is the only way through which our country can address its economic woes and provide immense job opportunities to its youth bulge.
We will also suggest that government should also come up with a clearly designed semi-conductor policy envisaging production linked incentive schemes and tax holidays to attract more foreign players.
Special focus should also be given on training of our youth in relevant field so that they could secure job opportunities in semi-conductor zone to be developed by China.
