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PGJDC to organize Pakistan International Gems & Jewellery Exhibition 2010 in August in Karachi

KARACHI: June 14, 2010 - The country’s first “Pakistan International Gems & Jewellery Exhibition 2010 (PIGJE)” under the aegis of the Pakistan Gems and Jewellery Development Company (PGJDC), a subsidiary of Pakistan Industrial Development Corporation (PIDC) under Ministry of Industries and Production, Government of Pakistan, will be held from August 5–8, 2010 in Karachi. The government has recently declared the gems & jewellery sector as an industry.

Exhibitors from all over Pakistan, especially from the mining regions, have confirmed their participation to display some of the world’s finest quality of precious and semi-precious stones. International buyers from Europe, USA, Middle East, Far East, Central Asian countries and other parts of the world have shown keen interest and are expected to attend this unique event.

The announcement was made today by Mr. Bashir Ahmed Abbasi, Chief Executive Officer, PGJDC at a meeting of all key stake holders held in the city. Approximately 100 exhibitors will be displaying their products and designs which will include a dazzling variety of gems and other precious stones, the hallmark of Pakistan’s rich mineral resources and cultural heritage. In addition, indigenous stone-cutting machinery and equipment will also be on display.

Mr. Abbasi, while explaining the salient features of the exhibition said, “The event will showcase Pakistan’s best known gems and precious stones, introducing in its wake, the huge potential this industry has for Jewellery manufacturing, exports and designing. PGJDC is absolutely delighted to announce that the response from exhibitors from across the country has been overwhelming, in as much, the interest shown by foreign buyers in coming to Pakistan.”

The CEO also indicated that the PGJDC has the mandate of developing the sector by providing administrative, infrastructure and technical facilities throughout the country; several developments plans and projects are also underway to make the gems & jewellery sector a thriving industry

In recent times, there has been a growth in the fashion Jewellery industry of Pakistan, with a new breed of designers qualified from prestigious design schools, making their presence felt here with their bold and enchanting designs. Most of these highly-skilled designers are technology savvy and use gems and precious stones as embellishments, to craft masterful Jewellery pieces. These designers are also expected to exhibit their creations at the show.

Earlier, Mr. Mutiullah A. Shaikh, Chairman PGJDC while highlighting the potential of the exhibition said, “Pakistan’s potential to become one of the world’s largest resource for brilliant gems will get a fillip at the exhibition; the country has a rich tradition of showcasing exceptional quality of precious stones, which adorn some of the most exquisite Jewellery designs made by the world’s prominent Jewellery designers.” He added, “We also intend to provide exhibition space for the young and dynamic Jewellery designers who are thriving in Pakistan; we would like to link them to the international markets so that they are able to understand global trends and compete with well-known designers from all over the world.”

The 4-day exhibition to be held at the Pearl-Continental Hotel, Karachi will also highlight and display several other areas of work undertaken by PGJDC, as a public-private partnership venture, which includes training centers both in cities and mobile units at doorsteps, gem labs and exchanges, gem-cutting machinery & equipment and other developmental and infrastructure work planned in the near future.

Another interesting aspect will be the “Pakistan Gems & Jewellery Seminar 2010’ which is expected to be attended by distinguished speakers from abroad and Pakistan.