Pakistan has been bestowed with unmatched quality of precious and semi precious stones. Ruby, Emerald, Topaz, Aqua marine, Fluorite and Lapis-lazuli etc are such world class coloured stones which are mined from the valleys of Gilgit, Hunza, Swat, Azad Kashmir and Chitral. These gems have always formed a part of the apparel of rich and the affluent and the variety of their usage is a testimony to the creativity and sense of aesthetics of the lapidaries. For thousands of years they have been an inherent part of the region's cultural tradition and history.
Gems and Jewellery Industry Scenario at National Level.
Gems and Jewellery industry in Pakistan is as old as the history of Indus civilization. This industry may be attributed as small family oriented concern with skilled labour, employing traditional tools and methods in the manufacturing of Jewellery/cutting of stones. Illiteracy, cut throat competition and lack of entrepreneurship are main inhibiting factors.
As Gold is not mined/procured in Pakistan its demand is very great. With annual consumption of more than 120 tones, Pakistan has become 8th largest gold consuming country in the world. Gold Jewellery in Pakistan is plain or studded made from 21 or 22 carats. Consumption of gold Jewellery is very high in rural areas as compared to urban areas. Marriage, anniversaries and religious festivals are main events when Jewellery is worn or gifted.
Karachi is the main commercial hub of Gems and Jewellery supplying 60% of total demand to other parts of the country. Other important centers are Lahore, Rawalpindi, Hyderabad, Faisalabad and Peshawar especially for precious and Semi precious Stones.
EXPORT OF GEMS & JEWELLERY IN PAKISTAN: Gems & Jewellery are low volume high value products which are highly value added products. Pakistani Gems & Jewellery is making inroads in the international market because of availability of precious stones, skilled labour and hand made traditional designs attracting a large number of ethnic communities in the foreign countries. Currently Pakistan's export has no significant share in the international market because it remained a neglected sector in the export where there was unawareness and monopoly of few large entrepreneurs.
Export business is mainly controlled by large entrepreneurs who have resources, skill, and expertise which makes them able to control this trade and establish many outlets in other cities of Pakistan. Export of these precious products has increased from $17 Million in 2000 to $28 Million in year 2003-04. Pakistan has still traditional market for Jewellery like USA, UK and Dubai because most of the ethnic community of South Asia is settled in these countries.
This particular export business requires high tech machinery for manufacturing and extensive market studies for marketing. Since tastes, designs and preferences are varying in different regions therefore careful market segmentation is a highly a desired objective. Currently Pakistani manufacturers are reluctant to enter in the western market of lower cartages because expertise and skill is not available in Pakistan.
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Export Performance of Pakistan in Gems & Jewellery
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Value "000" $
98-99 99-00 00-01 01-02 02-03 03-04
Gems & Jewellery 11,495 17,663 26,107 28,480 24,774 28,319
Precious & Semi Precious
Stones 2,733 2,551 2,173 1,500 2,173 3,600
Gold Jewellery 8,762 15,112 23,934 26,900 22,601 24,719
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