ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari called for focusing on the development of the gems and jewelry sector of the country on Thursday, saying that exporting value-added products can help Pakistan earn valuable foreign exchange.

The president also urged the need for better marketing and projection of gemstone products from Pakistan to tap into the global gem and jewelry market.

Mr Zardari expressed these views during a meeting regarding the development of the gems and jewelry sector in Pakistan during the Presidency.

Pakistan Gems and Jewellery Development Company (PGJDC) Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Mohammad Alamgir Chaudhry and senior government officials attended the meeting.

The PGJDC CEO apprised the meeting about the strategic plan for the development of the gems and jewelry sector, besides highlighting various challenges and opportunities in this regard.

Speaking on the occasion, the president said that Pakistan’s gems and jewelry sector had huge potential that needed to be fully exploited for the country’s development.

He underlined the need to encourage foreign companies to invest in this sector, which would not only help improve the country’s economy but would also open up opportunities for the local population through employment generation.

Mr Zardari urged the need to focus on the training and skill enhancement of the local workforce, besides promoting diversification and industrialisation of the gems and jewelry sector to increase its contribution to the country’s economy.

Published in Dawn, March 29th, 2024