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By Meng Fanrong

NANJING, May 20, (China Economic Net)- As the 2026 China (Nanjing) International Mineral Gemstone & Fossil Expo (CIMGE) was held from May 14 to 18 at the Nanjing International Exhibition Center (NIEC), a growing contingent of Pakistani exhibitors seized the opportunity to showcase their country's geological treasures to one of the world's most dynamic markets. The expo, which opened its doors to the general public, offered a glimpse into Pakistan's vast and largely untapped mineral wealth.

The exhibition drew participants from over 50 countries and regions including Pakistan, Peru, the United States, and Switzerland, with international exhibitors accounting for more than 25 percent of the total. Covering 65,000 square meters, the expo was divided into dedicated sections for domestic and international mineral crystals, fossils and meteorites, jewelry, and educational displays. For exhibitors, China's mature and rapidly expanding gemstone market offers an opportunity to connect with serious buyers and collectors.

Pakistani brucite showcased at the 2026 CIMGE, photo by CEN

At least ten Pakistani companies took part and brought mineral specimens and gems including emeralds, tourmalines, topaz, morganite, quartz, aquamarine and crystals from Gilgit Baltistan, Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. For many, the expo represents far more than just a sales opportunity.

Pakistani exhibitor at the 2026 CIMGE, photo by CEN

Pakistani exhibitor at the 2026 CIMGE, photo by CEN

Liaqat from Pakistan Astor Gems and Minerals described China as a very large and vibrant market, noting that Chinese collectors are becoming increasingly knowledgeable about mineral specimen and gemstones and are gradually embracing gemstones as everyday wearable items.

Pakistani exhibitor at the 2026 CIMGE, photo by CEN

The growing participation of Pakistani exhibitors at China's premier gemstone fairs reflects a broader trend of deepening mineral cooperation between the two countries. China customs data shows Pakistan's exports of unworked precious and semi-precious stones (HS Code 71031000) to China surged about 145.7% year-on-year to $783,890 in the first four months of this year.

This trade momentum is being matched by high-level commitment. Earlier this year, Pakistani Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal addressed the China-Pakistan Mineral Cooperation Forum, stating that the two countries were entering a decisive new phase of economic partnership by placing mineral development at the centre of CPEC 2.0 aimed at transforming connectivity into productivity, exports and sustainable growth.

Pakistan is endowed with globally rare and high-quality gemstone resources, with a total national reserve valued at an estimated 450 billion dollars. The country hosts around 92 known minerals, with 52 currently under extraction, nearly 5,000 operational mines and annual production of about 68.5 million metric tons. Despite this scale, mineral exports remained modest, contributing only 2–3 percent to GDP.

To unlock the country's grossly undervalued mineral wealth and take a step toward shifting from low-cost rough stone exports to high-value finished products destined for global markets, Pakistan's first International Gemstone Expo is scheduled for July this year. The event hopes to attract key industry players, including major exhibitors from China, and build on the momentum generated at exhibitions like the CIMGE in Nanjing.