New drive to boost value addition on gemstones.

Minister for Energy and Minerals, George Simbachawene.

The government is working on creating more conducive investment environment to allow importation of lapidary and jewellery making machines and experts of gem and jewellery industry to come easily to Tanzania.

 

The move is part of the practical measures to boost value addition on gemstones as well as ensuring that minerals were being processed within the country before exporting.

 

Minister for Energy and Minerals, George Simbachawene disclosed this here when speaking at the just concluded 4th Arusha Gem Fair (AGF) themed: ‘Tanzanite Gems are Regal, Come to the source at the foothills of the Kilimanjaro’.

 

Organised by Ministry of Energy and Minerals in collaboration with Tanzania Mineral Dealers Association (TAMIDA), the event attracted 58 exhibiting companies representing 8 countries—Tanzania, Kenya, DRC, Thailand South Africa, Zambia, Rwanda and Uganda. A total of 403 gem buyers from across the world took part in this year’s showcasing event.

 

He called on players in mining industry to invest heavily in value addition, to gemstones and jewellery manufacturing.

 

Simbachawene said for the sector to bring a positive impact to the country’s economy, minerals need to be polished within the country.

 

“In order, for the gemstone industry to contribute significantly to the socio-economic development in the country, we must invest in value addition of our gemstones,” he stressed.

 

He suggested the need for the main players in this industry to inculcate a culture of exporting processed gemstones and jewellery rather than raw.

 

According to Simbachawene, countries like India, Hong Kong, Sri Lanka and Thailand have exploited this opportunity and now their economies are highly boosted with gems and jewellery industry.

 

“Tanzania should not be left behind and therefore shall work together with investors from these countries to invest in value addition to gemstones and jewellery manufacturing.”

 

He further commended players in the industry through Women Empowerment Fund for organising training to 15 women who are being trained in cutting and polishing of gemstones.

 

The group has been trained for six months by experienced instructors from Sri-Lanka. The minister called upon Tanzania’s gemstone dealers to employ the qualified cutters.

 

“I also call upon buyers to ensure that they buy minerals from the designated areas and get a certificate of origin.”