Airlink Communications, the Lahore-based retailer, distributor, and assembler of Chinese cell phones in Pakistan, declared last week that it had initiated a partnership to assemble Acer laptops within the next year, 2025.
The agreement was signed with Acer Gadget Inc., which is an affiliate branch of the Taiwanese tech giant Acer Inc., to assemble and distribute the latest lineup of Acer’s laptops, tablets, and all-in-one devices in Pakistan. Acer is considered the fifth-largest computer producer in the world, with a 6% global market share, as per data compiled by data firm Canalys.
The partnership’s cooperation officially declared in a notice to the Pakistan Stock Exchange, grants Airlink exclusive rights to assemble products of Acer’s as it is considered to be the state-of-the-art facility in Lahore. Airlink’s management is considered to be more positive, projecting monthly sales of 10,000 units with an annual revenue target ranging between Rs. 15-20 billion.
Manufacturing is poised to launch or commence in the second quarter of 2025, with a strong emphasis on laptops initially, before expanding into tablets. This appears to be a very big deal. It’s not the first time a Pakistani organization has initiated assembling laptops inside the country. Haier Pakistan has a small laptop assembly business based out of its plant in Lahore as well, but when was the last time you heard of someone buying a Haier laptop? Acer, on the other hand, is considered to be one of the biggest names in business worldwide. If Acer laptops start getting assembled in Pakistan, that has to mean something very significant.
Read more: Pakistan Refinery Limited And Air Link Look To Buy Shell Pakistan
There are many positive impacts of Airlink Communications’ partnership with Asia to assemble laptops in the state of Pakistan.
- Firstly, the launch of a state-of-the-art assembly facility is anticipated to create various job opportunities, both directly within the assembly plant and indirectly via linked supply chains.
- Secondly, this strong partnership is expected to produce massive revenue with an annual target of Rs. 15-20 billion, which will help contribute to Pakistan’s economy and boost local industries.
- Thirdly, as a globally recognized brand, products of Asia resembling Pakistan could be exported to other states and countries, improving the position of Pakistan in international markets and boosting foreign exchange earnings.
- Furthermore, by assembling Acer’s latest products, Airlink will export advanced technology and manufacturing processes to Pakistan, creating the development of local technical expertise and innovation.
- Fourthly, with local assembly, Acer products are anticipated to become more affordable and accessible to Pakistani consumers, which helps lead to a rise of – rise in technology adaptation and digital inclusion across the country.
- Sixthly, the establishment of a manufacturing facility is anticipated to the development of improved industrial infrastructure in the region, which will lead to benefiting other industries as well.
- Seventhly, the success of this partnership is anticipated to attract further foreign investment into the manufacturing sector of Pakistan, which will help in encouraging other global tech giants to consider similar collaborations.
- Eighthly, the collaboration with Acer is anticipated to enhance the reputation of Pakistan as a viable destination for high-tech manufacturing, which will potentially lead to more international collaborations shortly.
- Additionally, the project is anticipated to involve training programs and skill development initiatives, which will enhance the capabilities of the local workforce, specifically in advanced manufacturing techniques.