Govt targets marble export boom through industry reforms

October 15, 2026 (MLN): Pakistan has formed four technical groups to develop recommendations for modernizing its marble and natural stone industry, improving product quality and expanding exports under the National Marble and Natural Stone Policy 2026–2030.

The groups will focus on finishing standards, technology upgradation, value addition and export promotion, Advisor to the Prime Minister for Industries and Production Haroon Akhtar Khan said while chairing a meeting of the policy’s steering committee.

The initiative aims to address longstanding industry challenges, reduce production losses and strengthen the international competitiveness of Pakistan’s marble sector.

Haroon Akhtar Khan said the government was seeking to move the industry beyond conventional extraction methods towards modern processing techniques, improved finishing and higher value-added products.

He noted that the sector could contribute to industrial growth, employment generation and foreign exchange earnings.

The technical groups will identify practical solutions to industry-specific constraints and develop recommendations to improve productivity and strengthen the sector’s position in international markets.

Private-sector representatives identified outdated quarrying techniques, limited access to modern technology, logistical constraints, low levels of value addition and inadequate access to international markets as key challenges facing the industry.

They noted that conventional blasting methods often cause significant marble wastage, reducing the volume of usable stone and affecting overall productivity.

The participants called for modern extraction and processing technologies to minimize losses and maximize the commercial value of Pakistan’s natural stone resources.

The meeting also highlighted the need to improve finishing standards, processing capabilities and product quality to make Pakistani marble more competitive globally.

Industry representatives stressed the importance of dedicated exhibitions to showcase local marble products, connect manufacturers with international buyers and generate new business opportunities.

They also highlighted the potential of marble handicrafts and intricately designed products to enhance market recognition and create opportunities for artisans and businesses.

Participants further emphasized the need to raise public awareness of marble’s durability and long-term utility to encourage its wider use in construction and architectural applications.

Haroon reaffirmed the government’s commitment to working with private-sector stakeholders to resolve operational bottlenecks, improve the business environment and establish a comprehensive framework for the industry’s modernization and sustainable growth.

He expressed confidence that technological improvements, reduced wastage, greater value addition, higher finishing standards and stronger export linkages would help enhance the productivity and competitiveness of Pakistan’s marble and natural stone sector.

The meeting concluded with an emphasis on coordinated government and private-sector efforts to translate the objectives of the National Marble and Natural Stone Policy 2026–2030 into practical measures for industrial development and export growth.

The meeting was attended by Coordinator to the Prime Minister on Commerce and Industry Rana Ihsan Afzal, Secretary Industries and Production Ahsan Ali Mangi, the chief executive officer of the Pakistan Stone Development Company (PASDEC), the additional secretary, the joint secretary and private-sector representatives.

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