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Export quantum of marble and granite can be increased manifolds by establishing marble industrial parks in collaboration with China under CPEC: President PCJCCI

Lahore, November 24, 2020 (PPI-OT): Mr. SM Naveed, President Pak-China Joint Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCJCCI) said that export quantum of marble and granite can be increased manifolds by establishing marble industrial parks in collaboration with China under CPEC to effectively utilize the valuable marble reserves of the country. It was observed by him at a Think-Tank session held today at PCJCCI office. The session was also attended by Mr. Daud Ahmed, Senior Vice President, Mr. Khalid Raffique Chaudhry, Vice President, Mr. Salahuddin Ahmed Hanif, Secretary General and a number of the executive committee members of PCJCCI.

PCJCCI Chief said that industrial parks established as per Chinese model would bring the cost effective cutting, blasting and finishing technology in Pakistan that will enhance the competitive edge of the industry. He was confident that marble and granite industry of Pakistan can be transformed into a cutting-edge stone industry by adopting Chinese quarrying techniques.

President PCJCCI also suggested revival of Pakistan stone Development Company (PASDEC) to fill the missing chains in marble industry. He further added that, the extraction in Pakistan mainly comprises boring of holes in the bedrock, filled with explosives to blast the block, resulting not only in high wastage, but also in smaller sized stone, substantially reducing the price.

Mr. Daud Ahmed, Senior Vice President PCJCCI said that, all provinces have huge deposits of ornamental stones, adding that Baluchistan has rich deposits of marble and granite in Khuzdar, Loralai, Lasbela and Chaghi districts, whereas in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Malakand, Mardan, Hazara, Peshawar and Kohat are the high-potential areas where quarrying and mining was already taking place. Identifying major factors hindering the growth of marble industry in the country, he said, the lack of quality production, inconsistent supply of raw material and scarcity of the modern technology were the factors, which needed immediate government’s attention.

Mr. Khalid Raffique Choudhry, Vice President PCJCCI said that standard quarry wastage in the world is taken at 50 percent of the gross produce; however, in Pakistan, this reaches up to 73 percent. Wastage can be avoided by using latest wire-cutting technique and equipment; thus, bright prospects of setting up joint ventures in the marble sector exist in Pakistan.

Mr. Salahuddin Hanif, Secretary General PCJCCI said global market for marble and granite is estimated at around $62 billion, but Pakistan’s share is below one percent, which is a cause of concern for the policymakers. With the government support, marble industry has the potential to become the backbone of the economy. He urged the government to make efforts for promoting exports and to redress the issues being face by the marble industry.

For more information, contact:
Media Manager,
Pakistan China Joint Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCJCCI)
Mega Tower, 309 – 6th Floor, Main Boulevard, Gulberg II,
Lahore, Punjab – Pakistan
Tel: +92-42-35777460-02, +92-42-37032203, +92-42-35874353
Fax: +92-42-35777524
Cell: +92-324-4925611
Email: info@pcjcci.org
Website: www.pcjcci.org

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