AS the government is promoting its diversification agenda from mining to agriculture, the emerald sector is another option that it can promote towards wealth creation, Emerald Production Watch of Zambia president Musa Kafimbwa has said.
Mr. Kafimbwa expressed confidence that the emerald sector could be a strategic national asset to be used as tool to improve the quality of life of all Zambians.
He said the government should ensure that citizens benefit from emerald mining especially that the sector had potential to create many jobs.
Mr. Kafimbwaalso said despite Zambia having the most desired emeralds, the country was yet to benefit fully from emerald production.
He said that if well managed, the sector could be an effective means of creating wealth for the country.
“As an association we appeal to investors in the sector to provide many job opportunities to the local people,” Mr. Kafimbwa said.
Mr.Kafimbwastated that most other countries had depleted emeralds and Zambia was classified as having the highest grade of emeralds in the world therefore the need to take advantage of this is now.
He added that the country could dedicate proceeds of the sector to various developmental agendas, thereby improving the welfare of citizens.