Hi,
It is a misnomer that the Jf17 is made as economical as possible---. That is farthest from the truth---.
The reason it is less expensive is due to the cost factor of the labor involved---. It is primarily not a " for profit " aircraft---but for personal usage---.
It is just like a car mechanic claiming that it cost him nothing to re-build the engine in his personal car---.
Labor cost is a big factor considering our workers always been on PAF payroll (Books), facility was always there just retooling was needed.