LAHORE: Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority (SMEDA) Socrat Aman Rana has assured representatives of the gems and jewellery sector that SMEDA will utilise all available resources to modernise the industry in line with global standards.

He added that SMEDA will collaborate with industry associations to develop programmes offering technical and financial consultations. He made these remarks during a meeting with a 15-member delegation from the Lahore Division Sarafa and Jewellers Association (LDS&JA) and the Gold and Gems Art Promotion Council of Pakistan (GGAPCP), led by Muhammad Ahmed.

Socrat Aman Rana informed the delegation that the current government places the highest priority on the development of small and medium enterprises (SMEs), even more so than previous administrations. He noted that funds have been allocated at both provincial and federal levels, which jewellers can access by meeting the necessary requirements. He further stated that SMEDA will provide strong support to make various training programs and easy loan schemes for jewellers feasible, based on the association’s recommendations.

Chairperson of the Lahore Division Sarafa and Jewellers Association and President of the Gold and Gems Art Promotion Council of Pakistan Muhammad Ahmed highlighted that India generates billions of dollars through value addition in its gems sector. He pointed out that Pakistan lacks international-standard gemological laboratories and urged the government to address this gap.

In response, SMEDA’s CEO assured the delegation of SMEDA’s full support in establishing an international-standard laboratory. He also emphasised the urgent need for marketing and branding initiatives to promote the gems and jewellery sector both domestically and internationally, adding that SMEDA will work with industry associations to design relevant programs.

During the meeting, Director of Strategic Research and E-commerce at the Council Nasir Arif Janjua informed the SMEDA CEO that the council has already initiated efforts to integrate the gems and jewellery sector into the domestic e-commerce market, with the first programme successfully completed.

The SMEDA CEO noted that SMEDA is currently designing a comprehensive e-commerce programme applicable to all sectors, from which the gems and jewellery industry can greatly benefit.