ISLAMABAD, Sep 6: Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz on Tuesday said the government was encouraging the gems and jewellery industry, as it had a huge potential of providing employment and increasing growth.

Following a presentation made to him on gems and jewellery by the ministry of industries at the Prime Minister’s House, he said the USAID and Smeda were working together to help this industry find its true potential and added the government was extending all assistance to them.

Mr Aziz said the industry had a great potential and could be leveraged to utilize creative energies and skills of the people. He says Pakistan has a rich heritage which spans the ancient Gandhara culture and the Mughal period.

“We can benefit from our rich past and develop new designs and carve a niche for ourselves in the international market,” the prime minister said.

He pointed out that Pakistan had skilled craftsmen but there was a need to train and utilize their creative abilities by adopting best practices.

The prime minister referred to the gems and jewellery fair being held in Bangkok, Thailand, from Sept 14-19 where representatives from Pakistan’s private sector were also participating in it.—APP