To address sustainable productivity challenges in Pakistan’s gem and jewelry sector, the National Productivity Organization (NPO) Pakistan organized a project on Productivity Promotion for the Gemstone and Jewelry Sector, 26 April–7 May. This face-to-face in-country Technical Expert Services (TES) project was attended by 190 participants from the Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Technical and Vocational Training Association, University of Engineering and Technology, Federation of Pakistan Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Gem and Jewelry Training Institute (GIT), and Pakistan Institute of Fashion Design.

Pakistan holds the fifth-largest gemstone reservoir globally, yet lags in exports within Asia due to outdated exploration and production methods. The TES project aimed to modernize traditional systems by introducing resource-efficient, high-quality production techniques essential for transforming mining, cutting, and polishing practices to enhance the quality and sustainability of gemstone production.

The TES project included gem identification and certification training, advanced cutting and polishing techniques, practical sessions on rough gemstones, and equipment management. Participants also visited gem and jewelry markets to observe and share best practices in Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Peshawar, Gilgit, and Lahore. With three expert trainers from Thailand, the project emphasized compliance with international standards and resource management. This initiative marks a significant step in formalizing Pakistan’s gem and jewelry sector, promoting economic growth, and leveraging the expertise of the GIT to adopt best practices.