(PRWEB) January 21, 2006 -- The Marble & Granite Strategy Working Group (SWOG) supported by the USAID funded Pakistan Initiative for Strategic Development and Competitiveness (PISDAC) project, the Ministry of Industries, Production & Special Initiatives and SMEDA managed by USAID’s contractors J.E Austin Associates, Inc. presented their sector strategy to Mr. Owais Ahmed Ghani, Governor Balochistan. Other participants were the Provincial Secretary for Mines and Minerals, Provincial Secretary Industries, SWOG chairman Mr. Ihsanullah Khan, Mr. Sultan Tiwana and Mr. Bakhtiar Khan from SMEDA and Mr. Sikander Jogazai, Dr. Nasir Kasi, Mr. Ashfaq Khan from the Balochistan SWOG.

In the meeting with the governor, chairman of the SWOG Mr. Ihsanullah Khan and a few local stakeholders informed the governor of SWOG’s efforts. They explained that the SWOG comprising of industry leaders, relevant government officials, academia, and NGOs, are working together to develop a strategy for upgraded production. Through the strategy, the group is identifying investments in human resources, infrastructure, technology, and management required to produce higher-quality products.

The Governor seconded the importance of the marble & granite sector and agreed that the sector could play a critical role in Balochistan’s development. Mr. Owais Ghani appreciated the SWOG’s efforts and extended his full support to the initiatives outlined in the SWOG strategy. The governor offered full cooperation of Khuzdar engineering college and other local institutions in terms of incorporating SWOG recommended training courses for the Marble & Granite sector. The Governor also offered 1 acre of land at Gadani for sector specific initiatives for the sector’s up gradation and a building in Hub for the purpose of the SWOG proposed Common Facility and Training Center.

Mr. Owais Ghani proposed that for Balochistan specifically up gradation of quarries should be started immediately. He further stressed that marble & granite sector has immense potential for growth and thus should not be neglected. He encouraged the SWOG to carry on the good work they are currently engaged in work with the provincial and federal governments to get this strategy off the ground.