Rawalpindi: (Parliament Times) Federal Minister for Inter Provincial Coordination Dr. Fehmida Mirza has said that her ministry will be working proactively with all provinces through TEVTA in promotion of skill development of miners and workers from Gems and Jewelry sector. Chamber of Commerce can play its important role while bridging between the academia and industry. While giving media briefing at Gems and Jewelry Expo being organized by the Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI) at a local hotel in Islamabad here on Saturday, she said that due to lack of value-addition the exports are struggling in this sector. She reiterated Governments effort in ease of doing business (EODB) and informed that Pakistan ranking on EODB Index has been improved as it currently stands at 136 out of 190 countries. Pakistan improved 10 points as previously it was at 146. Cutting, marketing, polishing and certification on modern line is required to promote this neglected sector, she added.
On a question regarding current situation in Kashmir, she said that today Kashmir has become a flash point in the region. She said the stance of Pakistan’s government and other political parties along with business community on Kashmir had made it clear to the world that it would raise Kashmir issue at international foras.
Referring to human rights violations in Kashmir, she said that the Indian government could not suppress the independence of the people of Kashmir with the force of power.
President RCCI Malik Shahid Saleem on this occasion said that business community and government are on same page with respect to Kashmir issue and we welcome suspension of trade with India.
Later Minister visited different stalls in the Expo and appreciated the products. More than 50 stalls of different varieties of gem stones and jewelry been displayed in the Expo and which attracted a large number of visitors. The Expo will be closed on Sunday August 25.
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