Tanzanians – especially residents of Arusha city and neighbouring towns
– will have a reason to smile, thanks to a joint venture of two firms that have
been pumping millions of dollars to establish a gemstone processing plant that
will employ about 200 locals.
Diamonds International -- the largest jewellery retailer with 140
outlets in America, Mexico, Caribbean and other parts of the world --
specialises in manufacturing and selling of jewellery, while Signature Gems is
among top local Tanzanite gemstone dealers and suppliers.
Diamonds International’s CEO and chairman -- whose firm purchases about
70 per cent of Tanzanite production -- billionaire Morris Gad and Signature
Gems managing director Sailesh Pandit
agreed to set up the state-of-the-art Tanzanite gemstone processing plant being
established on the outskirts of Arusha City.
Upon completion, the plant would be estimated to cover over 1,000
square metres. It is located opposite Pepsi Cola along Njiro Road, about 6km
South-East of Arusha. It is anticipated to turn Arusha into the largest
gemstone producer and exporter in the World in the near future.
Mr Jacob Hassid, the managing director of Diamonds International, said
that the plant was conceived following Mr Gad’s visit to Tanzania last month.
The plant will be completed in about a month’s time.
“We will train them on how to cut and polish rough Tanzanite for the
export market,” Mr Hassid told a press conference in Arusha.
Reading a message from billionaire Gad before journalists, the firm’s
general counsel, Mr Elchonon Shagalov,
said the best memories he held about Tanzania during his trips was the people’s
generosity.
“I was very impressed how we were welcomed into the country with warmth
and open arms,” tycoon Gad said in his written message. He added: “My motto has
always been, when someone does well to you, reciprocate that goodness.”
Source: The Citizen,http://www.thecitizen.co.tz , reported by Adam Ihucha in Arusha
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