The Pakistan Gems and Jewelry Development Company (PGJDC) is evolving the "Hallmark Act", which is likely to be implemented by the end of 2009, to standardise the local jewelry and enhance its export.
This was informed by Fawad H Khan, CEO, PGJDC during a seminar on "Latest Trends in Jewellery Hallmarking", organised by PGJDC at Gems and Jewellery Training and Manufacturing Centre (GJTMC) on Monday.
Fawad further said that the decision to develop Hallmarking in Pakistan is part of national strategy submitted by Strategic Working Group (SWOG) and ministry of industry's support.
It was aimed at helping Pakistan's small and medium sized enterprises to reposition themselves on a more competitive footing in the domestic and global markets, which would definitely create a healthy impact on its export. "After taking some positive measures for the industry, jewelry export has considerably increased to around $210million jewelry export was witnessed, depicting over 400 percent growth as compared to past," he maintained.
Fawad said that Hallmarking Act in Pakistan would help the country increase its export to 18 signatory countries of Vienna convention. Furthermore, he informed that PGJDC is striving to set-up a comprehensive assay labs and Hallmarking system with the support of the government organisations to build a strong co-operation among domestic and international gold jewellery manufacturers.
Despite being the eighth biggest gold importing country, as its import is up to 127 tons gold annually, there is no consumer satisfaction, besides industry is suffering at the hands of malpractitioners.
In his keynote address, Dr Shahzad Alam, Project Director, PITMAEM, PCSIR stressed the need of quality assessment and Hallmarking of gold, saying that the quality of jewellery could not be standardised unless industry does not adopt advanced measures. He said the Act would be publicised through comprehensive campaign, focusing to generate consumer demand for Hallmarked jewellery from retailers.
"It should be the jeweller's responsibility to educate customers, as it is done in UK, India and other successful jewellery manufacturing countries," he maintained. He said that it would build consumer confidence, besides convincing international market that Pakistan is committed to provide quality products, which enhances its export. A large number of professionals were present on this occasion.
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