Gold Art Promotion Council (GAPC) has demanded of the government to constitute a 'Gem and Jewellery Advisory Committee' at national level to give boost to jewellery exports, which has not exceeded $10.6 million for the last many year, as compared to Indian exports of $11 billion.
The Council president, Muhammad Ahmad, told newsmen here on Friday that the proposed committee should be headed by a representative of Ministry of Commerce which would identify jewellers' problems and also submit necessary recommendation to the government for promoting jewellery exports.
Pakistan has registered gold transaction to the tune of 110 tons and as such it stands at ninth position in relation to use of gold all over the world.
The gold industry has provided direct and indirect jobs to six million people who are engaged in producing from jewellery box to fancy ornaments. In order to bring modern technology into the country and to enhance jewellery exports, 'Gold Art Promotion Council' was constituted, he said.
The Council would appoint its representatives in all four provinces and Azad Kashmir who, besides introducing innovative trends in jewellery would strengthen mutual co-ordination among the stakeholders.
He stressed the need for bringing change in the country's policy in the wake of Safta, failing which India would establish its monopoly in this industry, he added.
Various developing countries, including Sri Lanka, Thailand, Hong Kong, Singapore, and India have achieved economic stability by providing incentives to gold industry.
In India, its Gem and Jewellery Promotion Council supplies gold to artisans. The Indian Commercial Counsellors are facilitating their exporters and are providing necessary information which has helped in maintaining Indian exports, he added.
Ahmad also demanded of the government to abolish condition of membership of All Pakistan Gem Merchants and Jewellery Association for the export of jewellery. All taxpayer jewellers must be allowed export of jewellery.
He asked the government to probe the affairs of Jewellery Development Institute in Lahore which was established at a cost of Rs 27 million.
The failure of Karachi Jewellery Institute should also be investigated and action be taken against the responsible persons, he added.
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