Pakistan Enhances Gemstone Sector to Meet International Standards, Eyes $2 Billion Export Goal

Islamabad, Minister for Industries and Production Rana Tanveer Hussain has announced comprehensive measures aimed at boosting the Gems and Jewellery sector’s growth by enhancing value addition to comply with international standards. This initiative is part of a broader effort to increase the sector’s productivity and exports.

According to Ministry of Industries and Production, Minister Hussain made these remarks at the closing ceremony of a four-day international training course on Value Addition of Gemstone Products, which was held in Islamabad on Thursday. The event was a collaborative effort between the National Productivity Organization (NPO) and the Asian Productivity Organization (APO) based in Tokyo, Japan, reflecting a strong international partnership.

The training drew delegates from APO member states, including Bangladesh, Cambodia, China, Fiji, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Iran, Japan, Korea, Laos, Malaysia, Mongolia, Nepal, Pakistan, the Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Turkey, and Vietnam. These participants engaged in discussions and training sessions focused on elevating the standards of gemstone products to meet international expectations.

Minister Hussain emphasized the critical role of the Gems and Jewellery sector in Pakistan’s economic development and expressed the government’s commitment to supporting this industry. He highlighted future potential collaborations among APO member countries to strengthen the sector, particularly through establishing gems testing, grading, certification, and standardization facilities. Such initiatives are expected to help Pakistan achieve its ambitious export target of US $2 billion for the sector.

The event also explored how mutual learning and cooperation among APO member countries can lead to innovations and development within the Gems and Jewellery sector. Minister Hussain praised the efforts of the organizers and the participants for making the event a focal point for international collaboration.

Chief Executive Officer of NPO, Muhammad Alamgir Chaudhry, and other notable experts from the Gems and Jewellery sector also addressed the event, further underscoring the importance of enhancing sector productivity through international cooperation and standards compliance.