The Northern Areas government has finalised establishment of a Gemstone Marketing Centre in the heart of Gilgit city, capital town of Northern Area, which would offer multiple facilities to traders as well as buyers in mineral sector, an official of the Mineral Department said.
Talking to APP Deputy Director, Mineral Directorate, Shah Jahan said that the market includes 32 shops and its establishment is aimed at providing wider opportunities to the people across the globe ensuring that the gems are available at one place. Constructed at a cost of Rs 5 million, this Gemstone market would attract foreign investment to the region and local economy would surely be promoted, he added.
Further, he said the Diamer Mineral and Trade Welfare Organisation (DMTW), Baltistan Gems and Mineral Association (BGMA) and Northern Area Gems and Mineral Association (NAGMA) have been formed by the local traders to boost this sector which enjoys complete official patronage. The official told APP that the market would accommodate cutting and polishing units too.