Marble export surges 40pc

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan exported 94,633 metric tons (MT) marble worth Rs.1,986.87 million during July-March 2010-11, showing an increase of 40 per cent over the exports of 55,126 MT worth 1196.19 million during the same period of last year.

An official of the ministry of commerce said that the marble exports included 7,056 MT of Rs.151.79 million crude rough varieties, adding exports of which were recorded at 10,628 MT worth 142.45 million during the last year.

Among other varieties, exports of Merely Cut's were recorded at 87,577 MT worth Rs.1835.08 during the period under review as compared to 44,498 MT worth Rs. 1052.73 million during last year.

The official said that China was the major importer by importing commodity worth Rs. 1562.55 million showing increase 49.21 per cent in imports.

United Arab Emirates (UAE) remained second largest importer of Marble from the country by importing 2,994 MT costing Rs. 68.15 million during July-March 2010-11 as against 2,723 MT worth Rs. 76.14 million during corresponding period of last year.

Saudi Arabia, Italy, United States of America (USA), United Kingdom, Spain, Japan, Qatar, Poland, Singapore, India, Australia, Canada and Germany were major importers of the Pakistani Marble.

The official said that the country could earn a lot by exporting marbles to the world because there was huge demand of Pakistani marble.

But by providing proper training to workers of marble and modern facilities to the marble industry, the export of the country could be enhanced.

Copyright APP (Associated Press of Pakistan), 2011