Pakistan seeks Lankan assistance to develop gem industry

Anjana Samarasinghe

ASSISTANCE: Pakistan is seeking assistance from Sri Lanka to introduce regulations for their gem and jewellery industry and to increase revenue through this sector. This was revealed when a special delegation from Pakistan met private and public sector representatives at the National Gem and Jewellery Authority last week.

During the meeting Pakistan's Senior Joint Secretary of Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Resources, Jehangir Khan said that in Pakistan the gem sector has not developed yet. But there is a tremendous potential for developing this segment in Pakistan.

There are world-class gem deposits in Pakistan. At the moment Pakistan's annual revenue through gem exports remains at US$ 200 million and they expect to increase this to US$ 4 billion.

"Pakistan loses considerable revenue without proper regulations for the industry and we expect to learn from Sri Lanka through their regulations on the industry, he said.

At the moment they supply rough gems for value addition for countries such as India. During the discussions Sri Lanka pledged to support Pakistan in providing necessary training for their people in the gem and jewellery industry. The Pakistan delegation also requested for short-term courses in the training programme.

Sri Lanka will provide training in gem cutting, polishing and heat-treating for Pakistan. The delegation was also educated on local Customs regulations at the meeting.

Chairman, Sri Lanka Gem and Jewellery Association, (SLGJA), Chanaka Ellawala, said the Association could organise Pakistan's participation in Facets.