FWCCI and GGAPC join forces to boost gems and jewellery exports

LAHORE: The Gold and Gems Art Promotion Council (GGAPC) of Pakistan and the Faisalabad Women Chamber of Commerce and Industry have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to strengthen export activities, facilitate market access and support their member businesses in reaching international markets.

The partnership will focus on organising trade delegations, participating in international trade fairs, business forums and trade shows to boost exports. Both organisations will work together to identify and access new international markets for member businesses. GGAPC Pakistan will also share market intelligence, export trends and trade regulations to further these goals.

The Faisalabad Women Chamber of Commerce will support the GGAPC through its Pakistan Women Export Facilitation Centre (PWFC) initiative. Rubina Amjad, chairperson of the PWFC, and Shahida Aftab, president of the Faisalabad Women Chamber of Commerce, signed the MoU on behalf of their organisations, while Muhammad Ahmad, president of the GGAPC, endorsed the document for his council.

Shahida Aftab and Rubina Amjad said that many women are eager to enter the gems and jewellery export sector and require the council’s guidance. “Our members are also looking for training and awareness regarding the export process,” they added.

Rubina Amjad highlighted GGAPC Pakistan’s recent steps to integrate the gems and jewellery sector into e-commerce, a move that is expected to provide global exposure and attract international buyers.

Muhammad Ahmad remarked that the GGAPC is committed to collaborating with the FWCCI to design training programmes and participate in international gems and jewellery exhibitions, with a focus on increasing women’s participation. He also noted the sector’s current challenges, including the need for the government to repeal SRO760 and allow exporters to operate under SRO266. He explained that SRO760 has effectively halted jewellery exports, a situation which benefits neighbouring India.

He also announced that e-commerce initiatives would soon be launched in collaboration with the Faisalabad Women Chamber.