National Productivity Organization (NPO) initiated a technical assistance program for the gemstone sector in collaboration with the Asian Productivity Organization (APO) Tokyo, Japan for the development of sector. Consultancy and workshops focused on gemstone identification, certification, cutting and polishing techniques with experts from the Gems and Jewelry Institute, Thailand, said a press release issued here Sunday. Sessions held in Peshawar, Gilgit, Islamabad, Rawalpindi and Lahore aimed to enhance stakeholder capacity and foster economic growth through knowledge sharing and skill development. The program involved industry professionals, associations and international experts, promoting collaboration and economic prosperity in the gems and jewelry sector. The experts shared knowledge and hands-on skills and practices for enhancing the capacity of the stakeholders, paving way for broader collaboration and propelling towards sustained economic prosperity. The objective is to promote international standards in gemstone products; provide comprehensive knowledge of cutting, polishing, designing and heating techniques; and enhance understanding of best practices and technological advances in gemstone value chains.