By Ali Imran
ISLAMABAD: The traditional and historical “23rd edition of Pakistan Gems & Mineral Show inaugurated at “Centaurus Mall Islamabad.
In a press release issued on Tuesday, Malik Naveed Ahmed Awan Chairman APCEA and Patron-n-Chief Haji Mamoor Khan said that this event is regularly organised by “All Pakistan Commercial Exporters Association of Precious and Semi Precious Stones” since 1994 in various cities of Pakistan.
The opening ceremony has performed by Sardar Yasir Ilyas Khan, C.E.O of “Sardar Group of Companies” and former President of “Islamabad Chamber of Commerce & Industry”.
The Patron-n-Chief APCEA, Haji Mamoor Khan informed that this is the first ever exhibition of precious and semi precious stones held at The Centaurus free of charge for which they are highly thankful towards the management of the Centaurus for their extra ordinary favour and coordination.
Chief guest Sardar Yasir Ilyas said that the event will prove to be a milestone in attracting maximum foreign and domestic buyers and expanding the exports of gemstone resulting in widening the inflow of foreign exchange to stabilize the Country’s economy and reducing un-employment in the region.
Sardar Yasir stated that through value addition using transfer of technology and creating labs which can certify the stones as per international standards, Pakistan has the ability to export $30 billion worth of precious stones, gems and minerals. He emphasised that this sector needs to be recognised as an industry and maximum facilitation needs to be provided towards exports.
The Centaurus is a secure and attractive location where local and foreign dignitaries are expected to visit the exhibition and get awareness about the gifted precious treasure in Pakistan.
After the inauguration of the event, the Chief Guest Sardar Yasir Ilyas Khan along with the Patron-n-Chief Haji Mamoor Khan and Chief Organizer of the exhibition Haji Dost Muhammad visited the stalls of precious and semi precious stones and took keen interest in the attractive display.
It is pertinent to mention that gemstone traders from all over Pakistan including Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad, Peshawar, Swat, Haripur, Mansehra, Islamabad and Northern areas are participating in the event.
He also informed that Pakistan is earning a considerable amount of foreign exchange through gemstone export and it has great potential to increase the inflow manifold, subject to favourable policies and facilities provided by the government. The event was also attended by former SVPs Fatima Azim, Tahir Abbasi, Tahir Ayub, VP Saif ur Rehman and executive Board Members Shakir and SVP Islamabad Industrial association Omais Khattak.
