Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority (SMEDA) of Pakistan organized one-day workshop for the stakeholders of marble and granite sector.

Organized under Research/Feasibility Study on Cluster Based Mineral Sector Transformation Plan, the workshop discussed the issues faced by the marble and granite sector and the required interventions.

The mine owners emphasized upon the reserve estimation, provision of the basic infrastructure especially the mine access roads, water and electricity. They said that the participation of mine owners in policy formulation and environment conservation is equally important.

The marble processors suggested establishment of industrial estates with one-window operations to overcome the issues of electric power outages, and pollution.

The concern of the marble and granite traders and the public sector representatives were mainly about the formulation of efficient marketing system to increase the sector’s contribution to GDP by increased exports and domestic earning.

The interventions demanded by all stakeholders were the availability of the loans, skilled labour and technology up-gradation.

Source: urdupoint.com