Editor’s Note
This report outlines Tanzania’s official commitment to establishing Arusha as a major hub for the African gemstone industry, announced at a key regional trade fair.
ARUSHA, Tanzania, May 4 (Xinhua) — Tanzania is determined to transform the northern safari capital of Arusha into Africa’s gemstone powerhouse, a senior official has said.
James Mdoe, Tanzania’s deputy permanent secretary from the Ministry of Energy and Minerals, made the pledge in Arusha Wednesday during the official opening of a three-day Arusha Gemstones Fair (AGF), which attracted hundreds of gemstone exhibitors from East, Central, and Southern Africa.
The official said that the Tanzanian government was committed to removing all obstacles that have proven to hinder mineral trade in the country.
Mdoe added that the government will capitalize on the existence of the Mineral Policy of 2009 in unleashing the gemstones’ potential.
Replacing the 1997 policy, the mineral policy of 2009 sought to redress the perceived low contribution of the mining sector to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Its objectives are predominantly concerned with promoting economic integration between the mineral sector and other sectors of the economy, so as to maximize the contribution of the mineral sector.
Joel Bendera, Manyara Regional Commissioner, said that the government had continued working together with key mining and minerals stakeholders from the private sector with a view to creating a favorable mining and mineral trading environment.
He added that the government had established an Economic Processing Zone in the Mirerani area where Tanzanite is mined and near the Kilimanjaro International Airport, for various activities like lapidary, jewelry making, and trading.
The three-day event, which will also witness the auctioning of rough Tanzanite, brings together exhibitors from East, Central, and Southern Africa. It also features premier gemstone and mineral producers from thirteen Sub-Saharan African countries in one forum, along with renowned industry leaders, respected mineral collectors, dealers, lapidary seminars and demonstrations, and roundtable discussions with government leaders and industry players from regional African partners.