The meeting was attended by Prime Minister’s Coordinator for Industries and Production Rana Ihsan Afzal, Secretary Industries and Production, and senior officials from relevant departments and institutions. Representatives of the Pakistan Minerals Development Corporation (PMDC) and the Geological Survey of Pakistan (GSP) also participated in the meeting.

The meeting reviewed measures to develop the country’s gemstones sector, promote investment, enhance value addition, improve market access, and increase exports.

Speaking at the meeting, Haroon Akhtar Khan said 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 growth potential of Pakistan’s gemstones sector. He said that provinces would be taken on board to ensure better coordination and effective implementation of policies across the country.

Haroon Akhtar Khan said that the Government 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 said. The Advisor said that 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 soon 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 also 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. The committee was informed that amendments to the relevant HS codes were also being undertaken through joint efforts of Customs and the private sector to facilitate gemstones trade.

The committee was informed that around 12,000 training programmes have so far been conducted in the gemstones and jewellery sector, while three additional training courses are currently underway. It was further informed that a dedicated training centre for the gemstones and jewellery sector would soon be established in Quetta. In addition, 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.