Pakistani exhibitors showcase mineral wealth at China’s major gemstone expo

NANJING, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 20th May, 2026) Pakistani exhibitors highlighted the country’s vast mineral and gemstone resources at the 2026 China (Nanjing) International Mineral Gemstone & Fossil Expo (CIMGE), held from May 14 to 18 at the Nanjing International Exhibition Center (NIEC), as China’s growing gemstone market opened new opportunities for international traders and collectors.

The exhibition attracted participants from more than 50 countries and regions, including Pakistan, Peru, the United States and Switzerland, with international exhibitors making up over 25 percent of the total participants. Spread across 65,000 square meters, the expo featured dedicated sections for domestic and international mineral crystals, fossils and meteorites, jewelry, and educational displays.

At least ten Pakistani companies participated in the event, showcasing mineral specimens and gemstones including emeralds, tourmalines, topaz, morganite, quartz, aquamarine and crystals sourced from Gilgit-Baltistan, Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. For many exhibitors, the expo represented more than just a sales opportunity, according to CEN, which reported on the event on Wednesday.

Liaqat of Pakistan Astor Gems and Minerals told China Economic Net that China is a large and vibrant market, adding that Chinese collectors are becoming increasingly knowledgeable about mineral specimens and gemstones and are gradually embracing gemstones as everyday wearable items.

The growing presence of Pakistani exhibitors at China’s leading gemstone fairs reflects deepening mineral cooperation between the two countries.

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According to China customs data, Pakistan’s exports of unworked precious and semi-precious stones (HS Code 71031000) to China surged by around 145.7 percent year-on-year to $783,890 during the first four months of this year.

The increasing trade momentum has also been supported by high-level bilateral engagement. Earlier this year, Pakistan’s Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives, Ahsan Iqbal, addressed the China-Pakistan Mineral Cooperation Forum, saying the two countries were entering a decisive new phase of economic partnership by placing mineral development at the center of CPEC 2.0. He said the initiative aims to transform connectivity into productivity, exports and sustainable economic growth.

Pakistan possesses globally rare and high-quality gemstone resources, with total national reserves estimated at around $450 billion. The country has approximately 92 known minerals, of which 52 are currently being extracted. Pakistan also has nearly 5,000 operational mines and annual mineral production of about 68.5 million metric tons. Despite the sector’s scale, mineral exports contribute only 2–3 percent to the country’s GDP.

In an effort to unlock the country’s undervalued mineral wealth and move from exporting low-cost rough stones to producing high-value finished products for global markets, Pakistan’s first International Gemstone Expo is scheduled to be held in July this year. The event aims to attract major industry players, including exhibitors from China, and build on the momentum generated at international exhibitions such as the CIMGE in Nanjing.