PESHAWAR, Nov 9: NWFP Governor Ali Mohammad Jan Aurakzai on Thursday stressed the need for developing and exploiting the minerals sector on scientific lines to earn foreign exchange and improve the standard of life of people.

“The untapped mineral resources in Fata alone can change the fate of people and enable us to repay the loans we owe to developed countries and international financial institutions,” Mr Aurakzai told the inaugural ceremony of the 13th Pakistan Gems and Minerals Show – 2006, being held at a hotel here.

He said Pakistan was rich in natural resources and the NWFP in particular had huge deposits of gemstones of the best and rare kinds in the world.

“The green emerald of Swat; pink ruby of Hunza; bi-colour tourmaline and sky blue aquamarine of Gilgit; peridot of Kohistan; and sapphire, amethyst and other kinds of gemstones of Azad Jammu and Kashmir are some of the rare and finest gemstones which attract buyers from the international market,” he said.

The governor, who was the chief guest on the occasion, said the NWFP and Fata were also rich in other minerals such as coal, copper, marble, chromite, gypsum, soapstone, manganese, lead, limestone and silica sand.

Thirty stalls have been established at the exhibition by traders from all over the country engaged in the business of precious stones. A good number of foreigners are also visiting the exhibition.

The geographical importance of the country, the governor said, provided the advantage to develop trade linkages with countries all over the world and promote economic activities. “This province with unique ecological nature, especially because of its diversified weather and climatic conditions and a direct land route to Central Asian States, gives an edge to Pakistan over other countries in the region,” Mr Aurakzai said.

He said the government was aware of the need to provide better infrastructure, review mining laws and provide better training facilities to people engaged in gem cutting and polishing to replace the existing primitive ways.

In this connection, he said, the government had allowed duty free import of machinery, tools and equipment for the gems and jewellery sector. The export refinance facility had also been extended to this sector, he said.

He said the government had established the Gems and Gemmological Institute in Peshawar to produce skilled manpower in the field of gemmology.

The governor said there was a need to strengthen the export base and move towards value added exports.