ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday highlighted the development of the country's gems and precious stones sector and asked the authorities to take steps to give the sector industrial status, a statement from the Prime Minister's Office said.
A report by Pakistan's Ministry of Commerce said the country's pearl and gemstone exports to China are expected to grow by 47 percent in 2023, indicating growing demand for Pakistani gemstones in China.
“The prime minister directed steps to be taken to accord industry status to the gems and precious stones sector,” the PMO said as Sharif chaired a meeting of the gems and private stone sector in the Pakistan capital on Wednesday.
Sharif said Pakistan has vast natural resources, especially in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir, and urged authorities to use these resources for Pakistan's benefit. He urged them to make appropriate use of it.
“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 that necessary consultations be held with the private sector and states in this regard.
Separately, the prime minister also chaired a meeting on Information Technology Parks and directed for the construction of Islamabad IT Park “at the earliest”.
Islamabad IT Park is expected to serve as a state-of-the-art facility aimed at fostering collaboration, innovation and product development in the capital.
“The establishment of an IT park to promote IT, increase IT exports and provide facilities to start-up companies is a welcome development,” Prime Minister Sharif told the Prime Minister's Office.
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 start-ups, incubation centres, banks, restaurants and other facilities,” the statement said.
