The Punjab Small Industries Corporation (PSIC) launched a project on Tuesday to revive the handicraft trade, especially that of black stone carving. The project will ensure better global marketing for Pakistani handicrafts. PSIC Managing Director Farhan Aziz Khawaja said the project would cost Rs 43 million and will focus on the design, value addition and product development of the Taxila stone crafts. He said it will help create an enabling environment for the private sector through marketing the products which can in turn spur economic activities and employment generation. The project is designed to offer services to local artisans by providing technical and advisory services. Khawaja said the main objective is to develop innovative designs for the stone artifacts and supervise the local artisans in developing diversified crafts for local and international markets. He added that the artisans were exploited by major industry players. He stated that the finished products will be displayed at all PSIC outlets. He informed that the PSIC was targeting Europe, USA, Far East Asia and other regions throught this project. Khawaja said PSIC was engaged in numerous handicraft schemes and projects across the province.
