Gemstone export boost: Govt set to roll out strategy, says adviser to PM

ISLAMABAD: To boost gemstone exports, the government is set to introduce a comprehensive strategy to expand the industry through organised mining, improved value addition, stronger branding and greater access to international markets.

Advisor to the Prime Minister on Industries and Production Haroon Akhtar Khan said this on Thursday, while chairing a high-level meeting of the Steering Committee on development and promotion of the gemstones sector. He said that blocks for mining topaz, ruby and other high-value gemstones would be identified in different parts of the country to promote systematic and quality mining operations.

The meeting reviewed measures to attract investment, enhance value addition, improve market access and increase gemstone exports. It was attended by Prime Minister’s Coordinator for Industries and Production Rana Ihsan Afzal, Secretary Industries and Production, senior officials, and representatives of the Pakistan Minerals Development Corporation (PMDC) and Geological Survey of Pakistan (GSP).

Haroon stressed that effective implementation of investor-friendly policies was essential to unlocking the sector’s potential, adding that the provinces would be taken on board to ensure coordination and uniform implementation of policies.

He said the government was also working on digitising data and mapping gemstone and mineral resources to develop a comprehensive database that could facilitate investment and improve resource management.

Emphasising the importance of value addition, the advisor said Pakistan needed to strengthen the marketing and branding of its gemstones to increase exports and establish strong “Made-in-Pakistan” brands in international markets.

He said an effective strategy would be developed to promote Pakistani gemstone brands globally and enhance the country’s presence in international markets.The committee was informed that dedicated gemstone expos would soon be organised in Karachi and Islamabad, providing local miners, traders, exporters and businesses an opportunity to connect with international buyers and develop new business linkages.

It was further informed that Pakistan was maintaining close coordination with Thailand and Iran to promote the gemstones sector and explore opportunities for international cooperation and market access.

To facilitate trade, the Customs and other relevant departments are working with stakeholders, while amendments to relevant HS codes are also being undertaken jointly by Customs and the private sector to facilitate gemstone trade.

The committee was informed that around 12,000 training programmes had so far been conducted in the gemstones and jewellery sector, while three additional training courses were currently underway.

A dedicated training centre for the gemstones and jewellery sector would soon be established in Quetta, while Centres of Excellence for the sector would be set up in Gilgit-Baltistan, Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Islamabad.

Haroon Akhtar reaffirmed the government’s commitment to skills development, value addition, investment, branding and export promotion to unlock Pakistan’s significant gemstones potential and strengthen its position in international markets.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026