MINES and Mining Development minister Obert Mpofu says Indian investors are free to invest in the local diamond mining industry as part of developments that can deepen relations between the two countries.
Report By Business Reporter
Mpofu told a visiting Indian delegation on Wednesday that relations between Zimbabwe and India should go beyond the trade of diamonds.
Among the delegation was Confederation of Indian Industry deputy director Anjula Solanky and India’s Gem and Export Jewelry Promotion Council official Anup Zaveri.
Zimbabwe has in recent times become India’s major source of rough diamonds for its billion-dollar jewellery and cutting and polishing industry.
“We are looking at India going beyond just trading diamonds, but India to support us in transfer of technological know-how so that they can train our youngsters to go into gem processing, cutting and polishing,” Mpofu said.
Keep Reading
- Chamisa under fire over US$120K donation
- Mavhunga puts DeMbare into Chibuku quarterfinals
- Pension funds bet on Cabora Bassa oilfields
- Councils defy govt fire tender directive
“We are also looking at India investing in the mining of diamonds.
“We appreciate it if India became part of our economic development which you have done in other areas, we want to consolidate that in mining.”
He said there was willingness on the part of government to work with friendly countries such as China and Russia that had stood with the country during difficult times.
Media reports from India in the recent past have indicated that at least 60 000 jobs would be created in Surat, the specialised centre for cutting and polishing, for the processing of gems from Marange mines.