GGAPCP Launches First E-commerce Workshop for Gemstones and Jewellery
— October 20, 2024
LAHORE (AIA) The Gold and Gem Art Promotion Council of Pakistan (GGAPCP) has launched its first-ever e-commerce workshop for the gemstones and jewellery sector, marking a significant step towards modernising the industry for global competitiveness.
In collaboration with Alibaba’s authorised channel partner, Web Excel, the workshop attracted business leaders from Lahore and across Punjab, aiming to integrate the sector into the international e-commerce marketplace.
Muhammad Ahmed, GGAPCP President and Chairman of the Sarafa & Jewellers Association Lahore Division, expressed his pride in this milestone achievement. “It is a great honour for GGAPCP to lead this initiative for the gemstone and jewellery sector,” he said. Ahmed also reflected on the Council’s earlier successes, including launching Pakistan’s first website and magazine dedicated to gemstones and jewellery in 2000.
Ahmed emphasised that this e-commerce initiative will expand the industry’s reach, providing access to over 200 countries through platforms like Alibaba. “We are placing this sector in the most advanced era of e-commerce,” he added. To drive the initiative forward, GGAPCP has set up a dedicated e-commerce department, appointing Nasir Arif Janjua as Director of E-commerce and Strategic Research.
During his address, Janjua offered a comparative analysis of e-commerce in neighbouring countries, noting that China ranks first and India sixth, while Pakistan is 46th. He outlined the sector’s global potential, estimating an annual market of $30 billion for gemstones and jewellery, and discussed opportunities for foreign direct investment (FDI), particularly from China, which has shown interest in investing in the industry.
Shahbaz Siddiqui, CEO of Web Excel, welcomed participants and stressed the critical role e-commerce plays in expanding the gemstone and jewellery market. He assured the business community of comprehensive in-house services, ranging from IT support to full-scale e-commerce solutions.
At the close of the event, Siddiqui presented shields to Muhammad Ahmed and Nasir Arif Janjua in recognition of their contributions to the initiative.