LAHORE: (PR) The Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) is ready to develop the gems and jewellery sector on modern lines but for the achievement of this objective, the people attached with this sector will have to come forward. 
This was stated by Director TDAP, Ms Yasmeen Kureshi while addressing the meeting of the Pakistan Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) Regional Standing Committee on Gems and Jewellery. For the promotion of the gems and jewellery sector she suggested a number of proposals which include setting up of a modern gems and jewellery institute. She assured the TDAP all-out help in this regard and pointed out that this sector has a great potential to share its contribution in the industrial development of the country.
Yasmeen Kureshi also disclosed that the TDAP in collaboration with Gold Art Promotion Council-Pakistan will soon organize a workshop on ways and means to promote gems and jewellery exports. It will prove helpful for the jewellers’ community in knowing the procedure of exports. She said that Pakistan’s position is five with regard to the wealth of gems and its emerald is at the top in the world gems market. In addition to this we have huge treatise of stones. However, the tragedy is that we are not properly utilizing this wealth.  For achieving the full potential of this wealth, the private sector will have to come forward, she added.
The TDAP Director particularly appreciated the services being rendered by Gold Art Promotion Council-Pakistan for the development of the sector and the TDAP viewed it with great regard.
Speaking on the occasion, Muhammad Ahmad, Chairman, Pakistan Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry Regional Standing Committee on Gems and Jewellery and President Gold Art Promotion Council-Pakistan said that the gems and jewellery sector is facing a serious crisis. In this regard he particularly mentioned the rising prices of gold in the international market, poor law and order situation and the economic problems. Mr Ahmad warned that if immediate steps are not taken, otherwise this cottage industry will be ruined.
Hameed Akhtar Chadda, Vice-President, FPCCI, also addressed the meeting and stressed the need to send delegate abroad for finding new markets of our gems and jewellery. For this purpose, he assured full cooperation of the FPCCI.

At the end of the meeting Haji Muhammad Afzal, President, Lahore Division Sarafa and Jewellers Association, Rana Muhammad Ali,Talib Hussain and Muhammad Shaukat also spoke.