Haroon calls for unlocking growth potential of Pakistan’s gemstones sector

ISLAMABAD – Advisor to the Prime Minister on Industries and Production (Federal Minister) Haroon Akhtar Khan chaired a high-level session of the Steering Committee on the development and promotion of Pakistan's gemstones sector.

Key points

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• While three extra training courses are at present underway, the committee was informed that around 12, 000 training programmes have so far been conducted in the gemstones and jewellery sector.
• According to The advisor, an effective strategy would be developed to promote Pakistani gemstone brands globally and enhance the country's presence in international markets.
• It was further informed that a dedicated training centre for the gemstones and jewellery sector would shortly be established in Quetta.
• The session reviewed measures to develop the country's gemstones sector, promote investment, enhance value addition, improve market access, and rise exports.

In practice, the session reviewed measures to develop the country's gemstones sector, promote investment, enhance value addition, improve market access, and rise exports. Speaking at the session, Haroon Akhtar Khan stated that blocks for the mining of topaz, ruby, and other high-value gemstones would be identified in different areas of the country to facilitate systematic and high-quality mining operations. The advisor emphasized that the effective implementation of investor-friendly policies was the key to unlocking the expansion potential of Pakistan's gemstones sector. He remarked that provinces would be taken on board to ensure better coordination and effective implementation of policies nationwide.

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According to Haroon Akhtar Khan, the administration was working on the digitization of data and mapping of gemstone and mineral resources to develop a comprehensive database and facilitate investment and resource management. He stressed the need to promote value addition in the gemstones sector to enhance exports and generate greater economic value. "Marketing and branding of Pakistani gemstones is the need of the hour to enhance exports and establish strong Made-in-Pakistan brands in international markets, " he remarked.

According to The advisor, 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 gemstones expos would shortly be organized in Karachi and Islamabad to provide opportunities for local businesses, miners, traders, exporters, and international buyers to interact and develop new business linkages. The committee was additionally informed that close coordination was being maintained with Thailand and Iran for the development and promotion of Pakistan's gemstones sector and to explore opportunities for international cooperation and market access. To facilitate trade, Customs and other relevant departments are working jointly with stakeholders.

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In practice, the committee was informed that amendments to the relevant HS codes were additionally being undertaken through joint efforts of Customs and the private sector to facilitate gemstones trade.

It was further informed that a dedicated training centre for the gemstones and jewellery sector would shortly be established in Quetta. Furthermore, Centres of Excellence for the gemstones sector would be established in Gilgit-Baltistan, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, and Islamabad.

Haroon Akhtar Khan reaffirmed the government's commitment to taking comprehensive measures to promote skills development, value addition, investment, branding, and exports in Pakistan's gemstones sector and to unlock the sector's significant potential in international markets.

In short, haroon calls for unlocking growth potential of Pakistan's gemstones sector is the central thread here, and readers can expect follow-up reporting as the picture becomes clearer.