RAWALPINDI, AUG 23 (DNA) – Special Assistant on Information and Broadcasting Dr. Firdous Ashiq Awan has urged the business community to use their linkages and connections abroad to highlight the plight of Kashmiri people and expose the true face of India. Different forums including that of the parliament are being used to raise awareness about the tyranny and persecution unleashed by Indian occupying forces in Occupied Kashmir.

Addressing Gems and Jewelry Expo being organized by the Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI) at a local hotel in Islamabad on Friday, special assistant said the government in cooperation with all the chambers of commerce and industries will also formulate a way forward to economically empower the Kashmiri women.

She expressed the confidence that the business community will support the victims and civilians of Indian aggression on the line of control to strengthen their local industry. She said Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry has also decided to establish Kashmir Economic cell with the aim to economically empower the Kashmiri women.

Special Assistant lauded RCCI’s efforts in promoting trade activities in the region and assured full support of government for promoting of gems and Jewelry sector. Government is focusing on empowerment of women entrepreneurs as we are facing human resource development challenge with our competitors in the region.

The women while sitting at home can contribute in jewelry sector and Government will fully support and provide assistant in this regard, she added. From exploration to cutting and polishing and transfer of technology and marketing, Government is ready to support chambers initiative in this regard.

She also lauded trade development authority (TDAP) efforts for improving linkages and highlighted the neglected sectors.

Earlier, President RCCI Malik Shahid Saleem in his welcome address informed that Rawalpindi Chamber is organizing this event in collaboration with Trade Development Authority aimed to enhance this sector and exports of Pakistan.

This time companies from Italy and Afghanistan are also participating. Its a Perfect Avenue for promoting this sector. Development of the sector will have a significant impact on Pakistan’s economy in terms of employment, entrepreneurship, and increasing the gems export outside Pakistan along with designer jewelry, he added.

Group leader Sohail Altaf in his address said that our industry has huge potential for value addition and profitability but due to lack of apprehension, this industry is far below our regional competitors, who are engaged in the mining, cutting/polishing and trading of gemstones. The exhibition will be continued til August 25.=DNA

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