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In a strategic move aligned with the recent import restrictions set by the Modi-led government, Reliance Retail, led by Isha Ambani, is charting a course to domestically manufacture its latest innovation, the Reliance JioBook laptop. As the Centre imposes a ban on the import of tablets, notebooks, and select electronic devices, the conglomerate aims to harness India’s manufacturing potential and reduce reliance on foreign imports.
Valued at a staggering Rs 9,26,055 crore by brokerage firm Bernstein, Reliance Retail, steered by Mukesh Ambani’s daughter Isha Ambani, is taking proactive measures to align with the government’s drive towards self-reliance. Sources reveal that the company is actively engaging in discussions with Dixon Technologies, a key player in the electronics manufacturing space and notable for producing the Bharat phone – an affordable 4G device that was introduced by Reliance Jio in July.
The collaboration between Reliance Retail and Dixon Technologies is geared towards the creation of a substantial manufacturing ecosystem, with plans underway to locally produce the newly unveiled JioBook laptop. With an initial import of the laptops to meet immediate demand, the conglomerate is poised to further its commitment to indigenous manufacturing by shifting production to Indian soil.
Notably, Reliance’s forward-looking approach extends beyond Dixon Technologies. Insider reports suggest that the company is also exploring a potential joint venture with Sanmina, a manufacturing entity that boasts a strategic facility near Chennai. Reliance already holds a commanding 50.1 per cent stake in Sanmina, which further underscores the company’s dedication to fostering homegrown manufacturing capabilities.
“The first lot of laptops required to meet the initial demand for the product has already been imported. Reliance has been looking to manufacture more and more in India so even the laptops can be made here going forward,” a credible source revealed to Business Today, highlighting the company’s overarching vision.
A few days ago, Reliance Retail unveiled the JioBook, priced at Rs 16,499, an affordable yet feature-rich laptop designed to empower a wider segment of the population with digital access. Boasting a 4G LTE sim, a powerful 2.0 GHz octa-core processor, 4 GB LPDDR4 RAM, 64GB of expandable storage, and a suite of modern features including an Infinity keyboard and multi-gesture trackpad, the JioBook aims to bridge the digital divide and cater to diverse user needs.
In tandem with the government’s recent notification, issued by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), stipulating licensing prerequisites for the import of laptops, tablets, and all-in-one PCs, Reliance Retail’s strategic shift towards local manufacturing emerges as a timely and prudent strategy. As the company works to establish a self-reliant ecosystem, the stage is set for a new era of technological innovation and economic growth in India’s dynamic business landscape.
Source : DNA
