Hallmarking and assaying at international standards would be introduced for the first time in Pakistan shortly to maintain quality of gold/gold jewellery in order to facilitate and help boost its exports.
The renowned London Assaying Office (LAO) which was approached by the Pakistan Gems and Jewellery Development Company (PGJDC), has consented to help set up a model hallmarking and assaying office in Pakistan which will later be replicated.
An official source told Business Recorder here on Thursday that a memorandum of understanding (MoU) would soon be signed between the LAO and the PGJDC in this regard. The collaboration is also being sought from Pakistan Standards and Quality Control Authority (PSQCA) to set up standards for gold initially and other precious metals subsequently.
The government has already approved a budget of Rs 1.4 billion to facilitate building of the required infrastructure like gems jewellery exchanges, gems identification laboratories, training centres, mining, and organising fairs, etc.
Source said that nature has bestowed Pakistan with immense quality of gemstone resource. High quality rubies, emeralds, and large variety of other ornamental stones are found in Pakistan. Rich resource is waiting to be tapped. History of gemstone discoveries dates back to 1800. In addition, intricate craftsmanship has roots with Gandhara Civilisation, which gives an edge to Pakistani jewellery designers and artisans.
Dilating on the subject, the source said recently, realising the importance of this sector the government decided to give it an 'industry' status with the objective of uplifting and supporting the sector.
The industry was recognised as one of the special initiatives taken up by the Ministry of Industries, Production and Special Initiatives and Strategy Working Group (SWG) members were drawn mainly from the trade to formulate the strategy to revitalise the gems and jewellery sector in Pakistan. One of the achievements of this group was the formation of the PGJDC, a public-private partnership in mid-2006.
The PGJDC is a public-private partnership to develop the value chain of gems and jewellery industry from mine to market. The company aims to enhance exports through facilitation, technology up-gradation, skills development and marketing/branding. The Pakistan Gems and Jewellery Development Company has undertaken the following projects:
Geological surveys-gemstone mines/reserves, boutique mining, gems/jewellery exchanges, gem identification/certification labs, assaying/hallmarking centres, gems and jewellery common facility training and manufacturing centres, and participation in international shows, launching local trade shows, and market studies and survey. The work has already been initiated on all these projects.
To create wide awareness about this field, several seminars were arranged and a few more are in the pipeline. The company is focusing not only on training but on research as well. In this respect it is liaisoning with Pakistan Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (PCSIR), Geological Survey of Pakistan (GSP) and Directorate of Mineral Development. An MoU has already been signed with the GSP to undertake survey to pinpoint reservoirs of gems.
The PGJDC has also secured 11 acres of land in the National Industrial Park (NIP) in Korangi, and is in the process of further enhancing it to 20 acres. The gems and jewellery sector will be lured to purchase plots in NIP. The idea is to have various processes of manufacturing and selling under one roof. There will also be outlets for both exporters and foreign sellers.
Under the SWOG and PGJDC umbrella, Pakistan has already participated in two international level fairs held in Thailand in 2005 and 2006. This year again Pakistan would participate in the Bangkok Gems and Jewellery Fair on September 18-22, 2007.
The PGJDC would be leading a delegation of more than 30 participants to the Indian International Jewellery Show from August 30 to September 3, 2007. Again in December, the PGJDC would also be participating in Jewellery Trade Dubai Fair from December 11 to 13, 2007.
In addition, it is planning to organise a gems and jewellery exhibition within Pakistan in the first quarter of 2008 where participants would be invited from all over the world. The most important long-term objective of the PGJDC is a quantum leap in exports from this sector.
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