The Pakistani government has announced plans to introduce a National Marble Policy and officially declare the marble sector an industry, aiming to resolve significant export bottlenecks and value-addition challenges that have hindered its growth.

According to an official report today, the announcement was made by the Special Assistant to the Prime Minister (SAPM) on Industries and Production, Mr. Haroon Akhtar Khan, following a high-level meeting in the capital with representatives from the All Pakistan Marble Industry Association and the Pakistan Stone Development Company (PASDEC).

During the meeting, participants deliberated on the impediments to marble exports and the difficulties in enhancing product value, exploring potential incentives and facilitation measures for the sector.

Mr. Khan emphasized that the marble sector can play a vital role in strengthening the nation’s economy. ‘The marble of Pakistan is of world-class quality, and there is a need to increase its exports through value addition and better branding,’ he stated.

He affirmed that the government is actively collaborating with industrial stakeholders on policy-level reforms designed to enhance competitiveness and productivity.

The SAPM projected that stabilizing the marble sector would generate new employment opportunities, assuring investors and exporters of the administration’s full support and facilitation in this domain.

To make the industry more efficient and globally competitive, Mr. Khan highlighted the importance of training in modern skills and the provision of technical assistance. He encouraged PASDEC and private entities to foster the use of modern technology and innovation in marble processing.

In a specific directive, Mr. Haroon Akhtar Khan tasked PASDEC and the Marble Association with developing proposals for collaboration with Italy, focusing particularly on technology transfer, capacity building, and strategies for export enhancement.