The Small and Medium Development Authority (SMEDA) is emphasizing on sector development to strengthen the local entrepreneur with foreign cooperation and coordination for boosting up the economy of Pakistan from micro to macro level. This was stated by Chief Executive Officer, SMEDA, Shahid Rasheed, while addressing members of the FPCCI Regional Standing Committee on Gems and Jewellery, Lahore Division Sarafa and Jewellers Association and other Punjab-based associations.
He said, “SMEDA is ready to provide the right dimension to explore the market with its limited resources. In this regard we are in contact with Italian embassy and United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) as well, but on these lines SMEDA is seeking the cooperation of the industry and business community”. He also lauded the efficiency and working of the FPCCI Regional Standing Committee on Gems and Jewellery for developing concrete liaison with SMEDA in all perspectives. This cooperation would bring a revolution in all sectors for inspiration and setting their targets with optimum vision.
Speaking on the occasion, Hameed Akhtar Chadda, Vice-President FPCCI said, “FPCCI always appreciate the efforts made by SMEDA to support the economy for all times growth and we are optimistic and confident on the role of present team to explore the idea of its emergence”. For the achievement of this goal he assured FPCCI all out cooperation and support in meeting the targets in the upcoming era.
Muhammad Ahmed, Chairman, FPCCI Regional Standing Committee on Gems and Jewellery lamented that the present scenario of gems and Jewellery sector is not satisfactory. He said that we were working for the development and promotion of this sector. For this purpose, cooperation with SMEDA is in progress. He also said we would like to have business relations with Italian firms by signing MoU with UNIDO. He suggested that the payment of machinery should be in Pak rupee as this would be convenient for the businessmen to enter into business with foreign exposure. Mr Ahmad also suggested the only the exports of gold can cater its rising price in international market and the role of IPU would be vital in this regard. He also appreciated the operations of SMEDA for the development of all major economic growth sectors.

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Speaking on the occasion, Mr Roberto Schuller, Head of the Investment Promotion Unit (IPU), United Nations Industrial Development Organization, Islamabad, disclosed that the governments of Pakistan and Italy are working on the IPU project for the development and promotion of the gems and jewellery sector.