RUBY
traders have expressed gratitude and new hope after they were given
time to air their views and connect with stakeholders in the TSN
Business Forum held here recently, and now are asking the government to
let them sell the gemstone in while in raw form.
Speaking to the ‘Daily News’ after the
Business Forum that was organized by the Tanzania Standard (Newspapers)
Ltd (TSN), the traders claimed that the pink to blood-red colored
gemstones tend to diminish in value when are processed.
Mr Olais Mushao from Mundarara ward,
Longido District in Arusha Region, said the forum had served to provide a
critical sense of sharing with key stakeholders, and were happy to
learn from the Minister of Information, Arts, Sports and Culture, Dr
Harrison Mwakyembe that the Government was responsive.
He thanked TSN for availing them the
opportunity to learn and exchange experience at the forum as now they
have many contacts and are hopeful will be successful in their business
as are confident the Government will take into account their concerns
and work on them.
He said the Government would also earn
more if the gemstones are sold without being cut or carved. Mr Mshao
said if the Government adheres to their request it would mean that more
common people from Longido District where the mines are found will come
up economically. The quality of a ruby is determined by its colour, cut,
and clarity, which, along with carat weight, affect its value.
The brightest and most valuable shade of
red called blood-red or pigeon blood, commands a large premium over
other rubies of similar quality.
He noted that the businesspersons
currently are in difficulty due to control that has been exercised by
the Government over the traders who are not allowed to sell the
gemstones in their raw form.
He said they have been moving from place to place in search of buyers but in vain.
“We request our Government that we know is
quick to respond to take our request so that we can sell ruby in its
raw form so that we earn more profit and the Government gets its share
in tax in accordance with set procedures,” said Mr Mshao.
Others who joined Mr Mshao were fellow
traders Mr Baraka Laizer and Lucas ole Ng’iria who asked the Government
to support ruby traders so that they export the gemstones.
A retired Member of Parliament, Mr Lekule
Laizer who is also a ruby trader said he was sure that the Government
through the Ministry of Minerals would address the situation
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