GILG IT - The Northern Areas are rich in natural resources, specially the precious gems/stones and these would be exploited and tapped for poverty alleviation in the area and also for the socio- economic development in the country. This was stated by Chief Secretary Northern Areas Maj (R) Qamar Zaman Chaudhry, while inaugurating "Industries Office Complex" near the Karakorum International University here. The project will cost Rs.20 million and will be completed within two years time, says a statement issued today. He said that Northern Areas of Pakistan are not only famous for its natural panoramic beauty and resources, but also for having precious and costly gems and stones popular around the globe. Ch.Qamar Zaman called for special efforts, hard-work, proper planning, processing, polishing and marketing of the gems and stones of the area to earn precious foreign exchange and boosting of their exports for the economic development of the country. He added that local officials of the Industries, who are the dedicated and young officers of the mineral department and playing an important role for the promotion of the sector in the area. The Chief Secretary Northern Areas further said that some young people of the Northern Areas were sent to Peshawar and Sri Lanka for training in Gems and Stone sector. He added that ten students of Karakorum International University were also  sent to Italy for training in the sector who after completing their training will come back and impart training to other people of the area as master trainers. Ch.Qamar Zaman said that there is lot of talent in the youth of Northern Areas and through their proper training and skill development their skills can be exploited for the development of the area. He also inaugurated the Laboratory of Northern Areas Protection Agency and the suspension bridge to connect Umphary with Konadas.