The industry has been forced to the brink by the militancy, yet the trade policy fails to address its concerns — Photo by APP.

ISLAMABAD The all Pakistan Marble Industry Association has rejected the new trade policy as it failed to provide answers to the problems faced by the industry, which is badly hit due to unrest in the Frontier province.

The executive body of the association in a meeting expressed concern over marble supply situation as the NWFP government had banned blasting for mining purposes.

Moreover, all the marble cutting and polishing units in the NWFP are closed due to ongoing military operation in the area.

In a statement President APMIA Farrukh Majeed said that the upcountry marble industry was getting raw material from Lasbela, Lora Lai, Karachi, Mianwali and Kalabagh, which has increased the cost of business.

The meeting noted that none of the recommendations submitted by the association had been incorporated in the policy. Marble traders said that they had proposed to the ministry of commerce to facilitate the sector in holding exhibitions in potential markets to introduce the precious varieties of the stone.

The association had also asked the government to ensure marble industry participation in trade delegations sent to world markets, as it would attract international buyers, said Mr Majeed.

The association had also demanded industry status for the mining sector because no investor would invest with modern drilling and blasting technology unless the sector is declared as an industry with financing facility from banks.

Moreover, the rules do not provide equal investment opportunities in mining of marble as the mining rights were reserved for local people in specific areas.

Traders said that despite the difficulties and hurdles the marble export had grown by 40 per cent during the previous fiscal year. During 2007-08 its exports were worth $25 million, which grew to $40 million in 2008-09.

The US, Italy, the Middle East, China, Malaysia and Russia were potential markets for marble from Pakistan.

Mian Abdul Sami, former chairman of the association, criticised the role of TDAP and said that instead of facilitating exporters the authority has banned holding of industrial fairs, which also gave negative signals to the potential buyers.