seminar entitled ‘Developing Gems and Jewelry Sector of Pakistan for the Future’ was recently conducted by the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) in Pakistan.



President LCCI Mian Muzaffar Ali, Vice President Irfan Iqbal Sheikh, Chairman Pakistan Gems and Jewellery Development Company (PGJDC) Mutti Ullah Sheikh, Standing Committee Convener LCCI Mohammad Aslam, Dean of School of Visual Arts BNU Prof Salima Hashmi, Director PGJDC Asadur Rehman Sheikh, Director TDAP Sajid Hussain, CEO Pakistan Institute of Fashion Design Ms Hina Tiyyaba and Dr Shahzad Alam of PCSIR addressed the participants.



All of the speakers noted that there is a need to create awareness among the stakeholders so that the full potential of the Pakistani jewelry sector can be tapped.



Enumerating the issues being faced by the gems and jewelry sector, the speakers stated that the absence of specific gem-related mining policy, the  use of obsolete mining machinery, shortage of skilled manpower, dearth of creativity, lack of global market knowledge and export methodology are impairing the sector’s advancement..



Speakers said that unless the right measures are taken in Pakistan, it will be unable to tap its rightful share of the total world gems and jewelry exports.



Despite the country’s huge mineral resources, Pakistan’s share in total world export currently stands at only 0.04% while neighboring India has a share of more than 13%, with exports valued at $19 billion. China and UAE are making $8 billion and $7.1 billion from their jewelry industries respectively.



The country’s most recent exploration revealed emeralds in Mingora (Swat), pink and golden topaz in Katlang (Mardan) and aquamarine in Chitral and Neelam Valley.



The speakers called for the government to establish a solid strategy to boost the jewelry sector. They also appealed to the government to establish training centers for the development of skills related to the sector.