Gems and mineral affairs to provinces: SCCI seeks completion of devolution process

Sarhad Chamber of Commerce & Industry (SCCI) demanded the federal government to complete devolution process of Gems and Mineral affairs to provinces in light of 18th constitutional amendments. The demand was made by SCCI Vice President Zia ul Haq Sarhadi in a press release issued here on Wednesday.
He said that the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government should take step for establishment of, state-of-art, Gems and Gemological Institute in the province. He added a piece of plot with 2 Kanal and 15 Marlas should also register on name of the institute. Sarhadi said that Allah Al-mighty has blessed us with abundant of rich natural and mineral resources. However, he said the industry is sharply declined due to apathy of the authority concerned.
SCCI Vice President informed that the sector has important role for earning huge foreign income, but it was neglected by the Ministry of Commerce. He added that Pakistani Gems have huge value in the international market. He proposed that a long-term policy was devised to flourish the Gems and Jewelry industry in the country. He further suggested that Gems facilitation committee should also be constituted with supervision of private sector.
Sarhadi added that the Pakistani Embassies commercial counsellors serving different states, should give a task to explore new market for development of Gems and Jewellery, adding that the promotion should be made conditional with development of Gems exports.
He demanded for immediate possession of allotted plot for establishment of Gems and Geological institute.