ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday highlighted developments in the country’s gems and precious stones sector and asked authorities to take steps to position the sector as an industry, his office said.
According to a report by Pakistan’s Ministry of Commerce, the country’s exports of pearls and precious stones to China will increase by 47% in 2023, indicating the growing demand for Pakistan’s precious stones in China.
“The prime minister has directed steps to be taken to give industry status to the gemstones and precious stones sector,” the PMO said as Sharif chaired a meeting of the gemstones and private stone sector in Pakistan’s capital on Wednesday. Ta.
Sharif said Pakistan has vast natural resources, especially in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir, and urged the authorities to properly utilize these resources in Pakistan’s interest.
“Efforts should be made to obtain international certification for gemstones and products made from them and ensure representation of Pakistan at global exhibitions,” the Prime Minister said.
He directed necessary consultations with the private sector and states in this regard.
Separately, the prime minister also presided over a meeting on information technology parks and directed that the Islamabad IT Park be constructed “as soon as possible”.
Islamabad IT Park is expected to serve as a state-of-the-art facility aimed at promoting collaboration, innovation and product development in the capital city.
“The establishment of IT parks to promote IT, increase IT exports and provide facilities to start-ups is welcome,” Sharif was quoted as saying by the PMO.
During the meeting, Sharif was informed that the Islamabad IT Park is scheduled to be completed next year in cooperation with South Korea.
“Islamabad IT Park will house startups, incubation centres, banks, restaurants and other facilities,” the statement said.
