Pakistan and Italy are deepening cooperation in the marble and granite industry, focusing on technological advancement, skill enhancement, and export growth.
A meeting chaired by Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Industries and Production, Haroon Akhtar Khan, reviewed progress on a bilateral agreement and discussed initiatives to modernize Pakistan’s marble sector through innovation and global partnerships.
Officials highlighted that land has been allocated for the establishment of Marble City in Risalpur, envisioned as a regional hub for processing, innovation, and exports. The project aims to raise Pakistan’s marble industry to international standards while creating opportunities for local employment and investment.
Haroon Akhtar reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to fostering collaboration with Italy, describing the partnership as a gateway to increased investment and value addition in the country’s stone sector. “In line with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s vision, Pakistan is determined to transform the marble sector through modern technology and international collaboration,” he said.
He emphasized that the initiative will be prioritized in the upcoming Pakistan–Italy Joint Economic Commission (JEC) 2025, where both sides are expected to formalize agreements on technology transfer and training programs.
The meeting concluded with directives for a follow-up session involving all relevant stakeholders to ensure timely execution of the decisions made.
Industry experts believe that closer cooperation with Italy—renowned for its expertise in marble extraction, design, and finishing—could significantly enhance Pakistan’s capacity to process raw stone domestically rather than exporting it unprocessed. This move is expected to boost export revenues, create skilled jobs, and improve Pakistan’s competitiveness in the global stone market.
The partnership underscores Pakistan’s broader strategy to attract foreign expertise and investment in value-added industries while strengthening bilateral economic relations with Italy.
