Unawareness of the latest technology, lack of training and international quality standards are the real impediment in growth of gems and jewellery sector in PakistanĄŻ

Staff Report

KARACHI: International gems and jewellery experts have emphasized the need of proper training mechanism for Pakistani jewellery artisans and manufacturers to compete in international markets, where latest fashion designs are in demand.

These views were expressed by the gems and jewellery experts Mr. Sylvo Schroeder and Ms. Bhavana while addressing a seminar on latest jewellery designing and gemology, organized by Pakistan Gems and Jewellery Development Company here on Saturday.

Mr. Schroeder said that US $1.5 billion gems and jewellery export target by 2017 by Pakistan is achievable provided entrepreneurship are encouraged, provided supportive infrastructure, latest mining, gems cutting & jewellery manufacturing techniques are introduce at the grassroots level and provide the gems and jewellery sector workers with proper training according to the international standards.

Unawareness: He said that unawareness of the latest technology, lack of training and international quality standards are the real impediment in growth of gems and jewellery sector in Pakistan.

Currently Gems and Jewellery sector in Pakistan is highly fragmented, he said adding, now the strategy should be to make Pakistan preferred source of high value-added gems and jewelry products, having the mission to enhance the skill and financial level of every individual associated with the Pakistan gems and jewelry industry to utilize their maximum potential. Ms. Bhavana said that India, by implementing a long-term strategy has gained a sizeable market of gems and diamonds, which is a model for Pakistani gems and jewellery sector.

She appreciated the idea of creating Pakistan Gems and Jewellery Development Company for development of this sector with a mine to market approach to create a value chain and enhance the workers skills and income that would broaden employment and help alleviating the poverty.

She said that having visited different cities of Pakistan and meeting the gems and jewellery sector stakeholders she believed that Pakistani gems and jewellery sector is far more focused and organized. If the sector is provided with the latest technology and proper training, Pakistan can become a hub of gems and jewellery trading.

Speaking on the occasion Chairman of Pakistan Gems and Jewellery Development company Mateeullah said that Pakistan has the worldĄŻs best and most precious gems stones but it is only lacking in training.