PSIC launch project for dying crafts industry

LAHORE: The Punjab Small Industries Corporation (PSIC) has launched a project for the revival of dying crafts industry, especially black stone crafting through promotion of modern designs for better marketing in the world.

Managing Director,PSIC,Farhan Aziz Khawaja unfolding the salient features told APP here Monday that under this project, costing rupees 43 million,efforts will made on modern scientific lines for revival of dying crafts which includes design,value addition and product development of stone crafts at Taxila.

He said that it will help create an enabling environment for the private sector to grow,prosper and market their products at national and international level,which he added,will result in accelerating economic activities coupled with employment generation,increased income slab and poverty alleviation.

The project is designed to offer services to local artisans by providing technical and advisory services including innovative designs.

He said that main objective is to develop innovative designs of black stone artifacts and supervise the local artisans in developing diversified crafts for local and international markets.

The MD said that manufacturing of black stone product is a delicate process which starts with blasting of stone and then crafted in desired shape decorative items. He said as the black stone handicraft sector is neglected yet so that craftsmen only have access to local market.

"Cluster players are working inside,people from other areas contact themselves and they do not have an outreach of any association". He said their finished quality products will be displayed at all outlets of PSIC for promotion of their products for better return.

He said final target is,the international marketing at Europe,USA,Asia,Far east and other countries. Farhan Aziz Khawaja said that PSIC is engaged in numerous schemes and projects for the support of handicraft sector across the province successfully.

He said that Deputy Managing Director,PSIC,Maqsood Qadir Shah and Director (Credit and Marketing) have been assigned the responsibility of monitoring the project and fully ensuring its execution as per schedule.

Copyright APP (Associated Press of Pakistan), 2012