ISLAMABAD
The government is set to introduce a comprehensive strategy to expand Pakistan’s gemstones industry through organised mining, improved value addition, stronger branding and greater access to international markets, with dedicated expos and training facilities also planned to support the sector.
Advisor to the Prime Minister on Industries and Production Haroon Akhtar Khan, while chairing a high-level meeting of the Steering Committee on development and promotion of the gemstones sector, said blocks for mining topaz, ruby and other high-value gemstones would be identified in different parts of the country to promote systematic and quality mining operations.
The meeting reviewed measures to attract investment, enhance value addition, improve market access and increase gemstone exports. It was attended by Prime Minister’s Coordinator for Industries and Production Rana Ihsan Afzal, Secretary Industries and Production, senior officials, and representatives of the Pakistan Minerals Development Corporation (PMDC) and Geological Survey of Pakistan (GSP).
Haroon Akhtar stressed that effective implementation of investor-friendly policies was essential to unlocking the sector’s potential, adding that the provinces would be taken on board to ensure coordination and uniform implementation of policies.
He said the government was also working on digitising data and mapping gemstone and mineral resources to develop a comprehensive database that could facilitate investment and improve resource management.
Emphasising the importance of value addition, the advisor said Pakistan needed to strengthen the marketing and branding of its gemstones to increase exports and establish strong “Made-in-Pakistan” brands in international markets.
He said an effective strategy would be developed to promote Pakistani gemstone brands globally and enhance the country’s presence in international markets.
The committee was informed that dedicated gemstone expos would soon be organised in Karachi and Islamabad, providing local miners, traders, exporters and businesses an opportunity to connect with international buyers and develop new business linkages.
It was further informed that Pakistan was maintaining close coordination with Thailand and Iran to promote the gemstones sector and explore opportunities for international cooperation and market access.
