Islamabad: Prime Minister Mian Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has emphasized optimum utilization of precious gemstone reserves in the country for generating maximum foreign exchange from their exports.

PM Shehbaz Sharif was chairing a meeting in Islamabad on Monday to discuss promotion of gemstones and minerals. The Prime Minister directed all provinces and governments of Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Gilgit Baltistan to work in unison for the development of gemstone industry.

He also instructed the relevant officials to seek services of international experts of this sector for the construction of proposed gemstone centers in Islamabad, Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir.

He also directed for completion of Islamabad Gemstone Center by August next year and ensuring implementation of the policy framework with the help of international experts.

The Prime Minister also instructed to use latest technology and equipment in the proposed gemstone centers and increase gemstone exports through value addition.

The meeting was briefed on measures taken to promote the gemstone industry.

It was informed that a location has been determined on Constitution avenue for the establishment of a gemstone center in Islamabad to provide international standard value addition services, certification, incubation center and trade center facilities.

The meeting was told that work has been started on geo-fencing scientific roadmap for gemstones.