ISLAMABAD: A task force comprising industry experts of international standing, Atif Iqbal (Focal Person Overseas Pakistanis and HRD) and Zeeshan Khan (Co-Chairman of Task Force/CEO Aqua Gems), Director General (Mineral) Petroleum Division, Provincial Secretaries of Mines and Minerals Departments from gemstone rich provinces, members from academia, business community, ministries of Commerce and Industries and Production, the State Bank of Pakistan, the Federal Board of Revenue, the Board of Investment, and the Capital Development Authority, met here on Thursday.
The task force is mandated to coordinate and facilitate the development of gems and jewelry sector in the country.
The Prime Minister's Task Force on Gems and Jewelry held its first meeting under the chairmanship of Engineer Gul Asghar Khan at the Petroleum House.
In a meeting, the Chairman of the 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 realise the real worth of these natural endowments.
The chairman particularly mentioned Prime Minister Imran Khan's vision to enhance the export 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 and 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.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2020