China has vast scope for export of Pakistan’s gems: Mr. Zarak Khan

Mr. Zarak Khan, President Pakistan China Joint Chamber of Commerce and Industry has said that, China, being the world’s largest consumer market for gems and jewelry has a vast scope for export of Pakistan’s gems and jewelry products.

It was stated by him while addressing a meeting of PCJCCI’s Export Promotion Committee today at chamber premises. The Meeting was also attended by Mr. Moazzam Ghurki, Senior Vice President and Mr. Salahuddin Hanif, Secretary General of PCJCCI.

President PCJCCI said that Pakistan had emerged as the fifth largest country of gemstones reservoirs, but unfortunately the country had not been able to get benefit from its natural resources due to lack of skills, technology, and knowledge for processing of the mining materials.

Mr. Zarak Khan informed that Pakistan has a potential yield of 800, 000 carats of Ruby, 87,000 carats of Emerald and five million carats of Peridot, which lay unutilized due to lack of appropriate cutting and polishing facilities in the country.

He also revealed that Pakistan’s Pink Topaz and Kashmir Ruby are unique items all over the world, especially the Pink Topaz is considered as one of the second highest valued mineral.

Mr. Moazzam Ghurki, Senior Vice President PCJCCI suggested collaboration with China to learn the latest techniques for cutting and polishing of the gemstones. He suggested taking on board, national productivity organization NPO and with the assistance of Asian productivity organization.

Chinese professionals in this sector should be invited to train Pakistani labor force and mining engineers for manufacturing and designing state of the art jewelry in this vital segment of economy.

Mr. Salahuddin Hanif, Secretary General PCJCCI, informed that China started capturing the attention of global jewelry industry since 1978 and with the passage of time China had turned to be a rapidly growing consumer market.

He said, in 1980, only 20,000 people throughout China were involved in the jewelry industry and 30 years later, more than three million are employed in this field but, rising costs of labor created challenges for the manufacturing sector, which has created a room for Pakistan in this area.

However, the executive committee pointed out that Chinese consumers are becoming more sophisticated in their shopping habits, they are moving away from traditional styles and are more inclined towards latest trends, quality, uniqueness and luxurious products.

Therefore Pakistani exporters will have to ensure international standards and quality to attract Chinese market.