10 February 2004	Tuesday	18 Zilhaj 1424

LAHORE, Feb 9: The Lahore Division Sarafa and Jewellers Association chairman and Pakistan Gold Art Promotion Council president has demanded immediate constitution of an advisory committee for boosting gems and jewellery exports and competing with India in the international market.

Chairman Muhammad Ahmad said at a meeting of representatives of more than 50 gems and jewellery dealers organizations of Lahore held in memory of Lahore Division Association founder Haji Manzoor Ahmad here on Monday that Indian gems and jewellery export had increased to $11 billion per annum and was increasing, while Pakistani exports were stagnant at around $11 million because of patronage of only a particular class of exporters.

He said the plan to set up Lahore Jewellery Development Institute had been shelved and Karachi Gems and Jewellery Institute had practically closed down due to wrong policies.

He said gems and jewellery exports would fall if the government did not constitute an advisory council. He suggested inclusion of representatives from all the four provinces and Azad Kashmir in the committee to consider ways and means for boosting exports.

He urged Commerce Minister Hamayun Akhtar Khan and Export Promotion Bureau chairman Tariq Ikram to order an inquiry into the closure of the Karachi Gems and Jewellery Institute and shelving of the Lahore plan.