Marble industry urged to opt for modern processing

According to The Express Tribune, Haroon Akhtar Khan, adviser to the Prime Minister for Industries and Production, chaired a Steering Committee meeting on the National Marble and Natural Stone Policy. He argued that the sector could contribute to industrial growth, jobs and export earnings if producers shift from traditional extraction toward modern processing and higher value-added goods.

Private sector representatives at the session pointed to outdated extraction methods, limited access to modern technology, logistics problems and weak reach into overseas markets. They said conventional blasting in quarries often wastes usable marble, which reduces output and weakens overall productivity. Participants called for better finishing, stronger product quality and more focus on market development so local producers can reach new buyers.

The committee now has four technical groups covering finishing, technology upgrades, value addition and export promotion. These groups are tasked with practical solutions and a roadmap for competitiveness in international markets. The government said it will work closely with industry to remove operational bottlenecks and improve the business environment.