28 November 2004	Sunday	15 Shawwal 1425

ISLAMABAD, Nov 27: Minister for Industries and Production Jehangir Khan Tareen has approved the installation of six model quarries in the next two years to produce 3,000 metric tons marble per quarry as a pilot project for development of marble and granite sector.

The decision was taken at a meeting arranged by the Small and Medium Enterprise Development Authority (SMEDA) with stakeholders of marble, granite, gem and jewellery sectors here on Saturday.

According to a press release issued by the ministry, the working groups set up by the minister to design the development strategies for the sectors submitted their reports to the minister on the occasion.

Secretary Industries Mutwakkil Qazi, Warren Wienstien of the USAID and Shahab Khawaja of SMEDA were also present.

The stakeholders' group was led by Asif Khan, Chairman All- Pakistan Commercial Exporters Association, whereas Assadur Rehman headed the jewellers group.

The meeting was assured that Rs30 million required for the pilot project would be arranged by the government. The minister urged the strategy working group to accomplish the task by February, so that the experience could be transformed into a nationwide strategy.

The minister said the matters relating to training, technology, infrastructure and policy would also be addressed in coordination with the ministries and departments concerned.

Mr Tareen assured the stakeholders of his full cooperation in developing the sector. He also advised them to initiate joint international ventures. In this regard, he asked the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB) officials to make arrangements for the participation in the coming two international fairs. The minister said he would try his best to reduce import duty on cutting gems and polishing equipment.

Regarding findings about development of the jewellery sector, the minister hailed SMEDA's efforts and said it had done a marvellous job in Peshawar. He advised them to do the same pace of work for jewellery sector in Karachi. He asked SMEDA to approach the EPB for inviting the best known international experts for development of the gem and jewellery sector.

A report on the jewellery sector on the occasion emphasised that the quality of jewellery in Pakistan should be continuously improved to enable the local industry survive against the imported products from China and India.