The marble & granite will be included in the sector strategy by the Small and Medium Enterprise Development Authority (SMEDA). According to a press release issued by All Pakistan Marble Industries Association (APMIA) directives were issued to this affect by CEO, SMEDA following a meeting with Sanaullah Khan, Chairman APMIA and Mohammad Saleem a leading marble industrialist in Lahore on February 18.

The CEO desired that private sector pilot projects should be finalised by February 28 so that a final preparatory meeting of all the stakeholders may be convened on March 08.

It was also agreed to present a comprehensive strategy to the Minister for Industries & Production within 10 days after the final meeting.

The meeting discussed various pilot projects for the development of marble industry. Sanaullah Khan proposed to provide soft term funding of Rs 5 million each to 20 prospective mine owners for the purchase of machinery.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2005