Tanzanians urged to acquire art of gemstone value addition

TANZANIA: Tanzanians have been welcomed to learn the art of adding value to gemstones with a focus on maintaining international quality standards, which can be used by major global brands.

This invitation was extended during a visit by a Tanzanian delegation led by Msafiri Mbibo, the Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Minerals, to the renowned Pranda Jewelry Public Company in Bangkok, Thailand.

Speaking during the visit, Ms Ratchnee Sapranda, Vice-President and Founder of Pranda Jewelry, expressed her willingness to collaborate with Tanzania to establish a gemstone value addition facility in the country.

She welcomed Tanzanians to learn and bring raw gemstones to their facility for high-quality value addition.

She emphasised that Thailand is a hub for value addition activities and her company is prepared to cooperate with the Tanzanian government in this endeavour.

“All 75 per cent of their products are sold in the United States and the remaining 25 per cent are distributed in the European countries,” she pointed out.

Pranda Jewelry has also received requests to manufacture various jewelry items from prominent international brands in countries such as Italy, the United Arab Emirates, China, India, Japan, France and some African nations,” Sapranda Said.

She urged that, “The delegation was informed that Tanzanian experts could gain invaluable experience by working with uncomplicated gemstone enhancement machinery.

This opportunity would allow for the training of five Tanzanians, enabling them to refine their skills and significantly enhance the quality of gemstones.”

Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Minerals in Tanzania, Msafiri Mbibo noted that the trip had been highly successful.

The Pranda’s willingness to collaborate and support Tanzania in enhancing the value of its gemstones and the company has already begun working with the Tanzanian government.

“This visit facilitated discussions between the Tanzania Investment Centre (TIC) and Pranda’s investors.

The investor suggested that TIC should establish a branch in Thailand to enable Tanzanians to understand the investment opportunities available in Thailand.