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

Islamabad: The government aims to enhance gemstone exports via a comprehensive strategy, including organized mining, upgraded value addition, stronger branding, and better access to global markets, according to Haroon Akhtar Khan, the Prime Minister's Advisor on Industries and Production. Khan discussed this during a high-level meeting of the Steering Committee on gemstone sector development and promotion, along with the Prime Minister's Coordinator for Industries and Production, Rana Ihsan Afzal, Secretary Industries and Production, senior officials, PMDC, and GSP representatives.

Mining blocks for topaz, ruby, and other valuable gems in various regions are being identified to promote systematic and high-quality mining operations.

The meeting examined measures to attract investments, boost value addition, enhance market access, and increase gemstone exports. Khan stressed the significance of implementing investor-friendly policies to unlock the sector's potential, promising that provinces would cooperate to ensure coordinated and uniform policy implementation.

The government is also digitizing data and mapping mineral and gemstone resources to create a comprehensive database for investment facilitation and resource management. Emphasizing value addition, Khan stressed the importance of strengthening Pakistan's gemstone marketing and branding to increase exports and establish "Made-in-Pakistan" brands internationally.

An effective strategy to promote Pakistani gemstone brands globally and strengthen the country's presence in international markets is under development.

The committee was informed about upcoming gemstone expos in Karachi and Islamabad, offering local miners, traders, exporters, and businesses the chance to connect with international buyers and form new business ties. It was also mentioned that Pakistan is working closely with Thailand and Iran to promote the gemstones sector and explore opportunities for international cooperation and market access.

Customs and other relevant departments are collaborating with stakeholders, and amendments to relevant HS codes are being jointly undertaken by Customs and the private sector to facilitate gemstone trade.

So far, around 12,000 training programs have been conducted in the gemstones and jewelry sector, with three additional courses currently underway. A dedicated training center for the sector will soon be established in Quetta, while Centers of Excellence will be set up in Gilgit-Baltistan, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, and Islamabad. Khan reaffirmed the government's dedication to skills development, value addition, investments, branding, and export promotion to unlock Pakistan's substantial gemstones potential and enhance its standing in global markets.