Chinese training to help promote mineral sector entrepreneurship in GB

The people of Gilgit Baltistan (GB) need training in mineral sector entrepreneurship through the coordination of Chinese and Pakistani academics and related stakeholders, opines Dr. Zakir, Director of Planning and Development at the University of Baltistan, Skardu. “Despite being rich in gems and minerals, GB lags in lapidary skills, proper equipment, and marketing approaches,” he said, “A great number of young people are also unemployed. The students will be trained in e-commerce to approach local and international markets and become entrepreneurs. For this, they will be deployed to different firms for internships. Besides gaining expertise in mineralogy, the students are also learning the Chinese language.” He noted that the Aga Khan Rural Support Programme (AKRSP) is also actively participating in promoting entrepreneurship in the mineral and gemology sectors. To this end, the AKRSP announced support for young entrepreneurs with the necessary equipment to get started.