Gemstone export boost: Govt set to roll out strategy, says adviser to PM

Business Recorder reported that the government is preparing a comprehensive strategy to expand Pakistan's gemstone industry through organised mining, greater value addition, stronger branding and wider access to overseas markets. Advisor to the Prime Minister on Industries and Production Haroon Akhtar Khan outlined the plan on Thursday while chairing a session of the Steering Committee focused on gemstones. Mining zones for topaz, ruby and other precious stones will be designated in different parts of the country to support systematic, quality extraction.

The committee reviewed steps to draw investment, raise value addition, improve market access and lift exports. Officials were told that expos dedicated to the sector will be held soon in Karachi and Islamabad, giving local miners, traders and exporters a chance to meet international buyers. Pakistan is also working in close step with Thailand and Iran on sector promotion and market access, while Customs and the private sector are jointly amending HS codes to ease gemstone trade.

Officials said around 12,000 training programmes have so far been held for the gemstones and jewellery sector, with three more courses under way. A dedicated training centre will be set up in Quetta, while Centres of Excellence are planned for Gilgit-Baltistan, Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Islamabad. Haroon Akhtar said the government remains committed to skills, value addition, branding and export promotion as a way to strengthen Pakistan's standing in global markets.