RAWALPINDI: Minister for Inter-Provincial Coordination Dr Fehmida Mirza on Saturday said the government was working proactively in consultation with provinces through the Technical Education and Vocational Training Authority (Tevta) for promotion of skill development of miners and workers in the gems and jewellery sector.

“Chambers of commerce can play its role as a bridge between the academia and industry,” she said during a visit to the gems and jewellery exhibition organised by Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI) at a hotel in Islamabad.

She said due to lack of value-addition exports were struggling in this sector. She reiterated government’s effort in ease of doing business (EODB) and said Pakistan’s ranking on the EODB index had improved as it currently stood at 136th among 190 countries.

“Pakistan improved 10 points as previously it was at 146. Cutting, marketing, polishing and certification on modern lines is required to promote this neglected sector,” the minister said.

Regarding the situation in Kashmir, she said Kashmir had become a flashpoint in the region. She said the stance of Pakistan’s government and political parties along with business community on Kashmir had made it clear to the world that it would raise the issue at the international forums.

Referring to human rights violations in Kashmir, she said the Indian government cannot suppress the people of Kashmir with the force of power.

RCCI President Malik Shahid Saleem said the business community and the government were on the same page with respect to the issue of Kashmir and “we welcome suspension of trade with India.”

More than 50 stalls of different varieties of gemstones and jewellery have been set up at the expo which will be closed on Sunday.

Published in Dawn, August 25th, 2019