Pakistan is preparing a strategy to expand gemstone mining, improve value addition and strengthen exports, including new exhibitions and specialized training centers, the Industries and Production Ministry said on Thursday.
Advisor to the Prime Minister on Industries and Production Haroon Akhtar Khan chaired a high-level steering committee meeting on the sector's development.
What is Pakistan's new gemstone mining strategy?
The strategy focuses on expanding gemstone mining, improving value addition and strengthening exports through new exhibitions and specialized training centers. Blocks for mining topaz, ruby and other high-value gemstones will be identified across the country to enable more systematic, higher-quality operations. The government is also digitizing data to map gemstone and mineral resources into a comprehensive database.
The meeting was attended by senior government officials and representatives of the Pakistan Minerals Development Corporation and Geological Survey of Pakistan. Officials reviewed measures to attract investment, improve market access and increase exports. Haroon stressed the need for investor-friendly policies and closer coordination with provincial governments to unlock the sector's potential.
How will Pakistan boost gemstone exports?
Haroon said greater emphasis would be placed on value addition, marketing and branding to increase the international value of Pakistani gemstones. "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.
Dedicated gemstone expos will soon be held in Karachi and Islamabad, giving miners, traders, exporters, local businesses and international buyers opportunities to establish commercial links. Pakistan is also coordinating with Thailand and Iran on gemstone-sector development, exploring opportunities for international cooperation and expanded market access.
What training programs are planned for the gemstone sector?
About 12,000 training programs have so far been conducted in the gemstones and jewelery sector, with three additional courses currently under way. A dedicated training center for the sector is also planned in Quetta.
Centers of Excellence are to be established in Gilgit-Baltistan, Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Islamabad. Customs and other government agencies are working with private-sector stakeholders to facilitate trade, including proposed amendments to relevant Harmonized System (HS) codes used to classify goods for international trade.
Haroon reaffirmed the government's commitment to developing skills, promoting value addition and attracting investment to build Pakistan's gemstone industry and strengthen its position in international markets.
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