The Prime Minister’s Task Force on Gems & Jewelry held its first meeting under the chairmanship of Eng. Gul Asghar Khan at Petroleum House, Islamabad today.
The Task Force comprises the industry experts of international standing; Mr. Atif Iqbal (Focal Person Overseas Pakistanis & HRD) and Mr. Zeeshan Khan (Co-Chairman of Task Force/CEO Aqua Gems), Director General (Mineral) Petroleum Division, Provincial Secretaries of Mines & Minerals Departments from gemstone rich provinces, members from academia, business community, Ministries of Commerce and Industries & Production, State Bank of Pakistan, Federal Board of Revenue, Board of Investment and Capital Development Authority.
Task Force is mandated to coordinate and facilitate the development Gems and Jewelry Sector in the country.
In a meeting held today, the Chairman of Task Force, Engr. Gul Asghar Khan highlighted the potential of gemstones found in Pakistan, the problems faced by the industry and the need to develop an investor-friendly working environment to realize the real worth of these natural endowments. The Chairman particularly mentioned the Prime Minister Imran Khan’s vision to enhance the exports of gemstones and jewelry to its maximum potential.
The Task Force underlined the need for ease of doing business, one window operation for the investors and development of a model Gemstone & Jewelry City in Islamabad. The participants of Task Force meeting presented their views on the economic significance and employment generation linked to this sector in rural areas and facilitation required for sector growth to enhance its contribution in exports. The business groups highlighted the importance of regulating the e-commerce of gemstones as well as facilitation for trading of gemstones.
The Task Force constituted working groups for focused deliberations on various terms of reference. The participants from the business community appreciated the initiative of the Government to bring all relevant stakeholders on one forum to discuss the issues of the gemstones sector and resolve the same through coordinated efforts and uniform policy interventions. The Task Force would present its recommendations within 60 days.
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