Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has directed that measures be taken to increase exports by harnessing the country's extensive reserves of gemstones and minerals.

He was chairing a meeting to review progress in the gemstone sector in Islamabad today.

The Prime Minister said measures for the development of the gemstone and jewellery sector are a priority and no delays will be tolerated.

Shehbaz Sharif stressed the need to develop a complete ecosystem for value addition, covering gemstone mining, cutting and polishing.

He directed that a roadmap be developed for the early establishment of centres of excellence for value addition.

The Prime Minister also directed that all obstacles to pilot projects and the development of model gemstone mines be removed to ensure their early completion.