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Gems, Jewellery Development Institute in Peshawar shortly

SIALKOT: The Federal Government has prepared an integrated plan for development and expansion of the gem and jewellery industry in the country.

Official sources told APP here on Tuesday that a Gem and Jewellery Development Institute is being set up at Peshawar for the purpose, at a cost of Rs 49 million.

Work on the project will be undertaken in the near future. In Karachi the Gem and Jewellery Development Institute has already been established and will start functioning shortly.

The aim of these institutes is to enable the business community engaged in the jewellery industry to develop it in modern lines, make it more attractive with artful amalgam of tradition and latest craftsmanship, and to enhance exports.

Sources asserted that at present the export of rough, uncut, cut and polished semi-precious or precious stones, is at its lowest ebb. Most of the gems and a large portion of local jewellery are smuggled out of the country, resulting in loss of valuable foreign exchange to the country.

Previously, the jewellery industry was totally ignored by the government, another reason why it has not developed at the pace it should have, observed sources.

The present government has recognised the potential of the business, and focused on the promotion and expansion of gems and jewellery industry on priority basis, with an eye to increased exports. The institutes will play a vital role in this connection, giving it a much-needed and long overdue boost, sources added. APP