Zim delegation to China seek gemstone jewellery business boost

By Own Correspondent

Recently concluded engagements by a visiting Zimbabwean delegation to Donghai County in the Jiangsu Province of China primed as a world famous crystal capital are geared to go a long way in unlocking major opportunities for Zimbabwe’s gemstone jewellery business.

Donghai, located in the northeastern part of Jiangsu Province, is the first county to the west of the eastern terminal of new Eurasian Continental Bridge, connecting with inland China, Central Asia and Europe.

It covers an area of 2037 square kilometers, with a population of 1.23 million and was awarded as one of the National High-tech Industrial Bases, the national jade and jewelry industrial base as well as one of the top 100 counties for future investment potential among all the small and medium-sized cities and counties in China.

Led by ZANU PF Politburo Member and National Secretary for Economic Affairs Cde Lt General (Rtd) Dr. Engelbert A. Rugeje, a Zimbabwe delegation visited the County as it completed a final leg of the China business trip made to unlock value addition opportunities for Zimbabwe among other broader investment collaborations.

The trip which started off in Shanghai saw the delegation having fruitful engagements with experts in Donghai County after initially meeting leadership of the Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Science (JAAS) in Nanjing, Jiangsu Province.

Discussions mainly focused on economic transformation with smart agriculture as the nucleus for sustainable economic growth, social transformation and rural industrialization.

The final leg of the tour to Donghai Crystal City touched on gemstone business, that is the value addition and beneficiation into a wide array of finished products.

More than four hundred thousand people are employed in the gemstone industry across the whole value chain in Donghai and the goal by the Zimbabwe delegation was to take a leaf from that development to provide an opportunity for the country to tap in those opportunities and bring the ideas home for employment creation and growing the economy.

Already, Zimbabwe has more than 33 types of gemstones and the ruling Party’s Economic Affairs Secretary Dr Rugeje said that the country needs to harness this untapped potential that can catalyse the realisation of His Excellency President Dr. Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa’s Vision 2030.

“It is interesting to note that the President has made a clarion call for the country to guard against exporting our raw gems. Zimbabwe has significant gemstone deposits thus this can be a big game changer for the economy and our people,” said Dr Rugeje.

Lt Gen Rugeje was accompanied by the ZANU PF Director for Economic Affairs, Hon Anastancia Ndhlovu and a gemstone expert and Chinese investor Mr Xilong Su.

From Donghai County , Lt Gen Rugeje’s delegation proceeded to Guangzhou where they toured a textile manufacturing company as well as the Liwan Jewellery Wholesale Plaza which has more than 1500 jewellery outlets.

This is the largest stone, jade and Crystal market in South China. It is also a major hub of gold silver and gemstone jewellery with intricate designs. Most of the raw stones ( ore) are from Zimbabwe and Southern Africa. Zimbabwe and the rest of the continent stand to immensely benefit if the processing of the minerals and other precious stones is done in the country of origin. Statistically one outlet can sell up to 500 million pieces per year.

Cde Rugeje reiterated that it is important to note that Zimbabwe boasts of a diverse range of more than 60 known types of minerals.

“Among them are also gemstones, including emeralds, aquamarine, alexandrite amethyst, ruby, sapphire, tourmaline garnet, citrine, and iolite.

” Zimbabwe’s gemstone sector holds significant potential for growth and development, with opportunities for exploration, mining and value addition and beneficiation,” he said.

He added that the Government envisages to establish a US$12 billion mining industry.

“In 2024, Zimbabwe’s mining sector generated a record US$5.9 billion in export earnings, up from US$5.4 billion in 2023. This growth was largely driven by a 24% surge in gold prices,” he said.

In 2025, the mining sector is projected to grow by 5.6%, driven by expansion projects in the gold and coal industries.
Export earnings are expected to reach US$6 billion, buoyed by strong gold prices.

Zimbabwe can benefit from Donghai County’s economic activities in several ways, considering Donghai’s thriving industries and Zimbabwe’s rich natural resources.

Donghai County has a strong mining and tourism sector. Zimbabwe, with its abundant mineral resources like gemstones can attract investments and expertise from Donghai-based mining companies.

This collaboration could enhance Zimbabwe’s mining industry, create jobs and generate revenue.

Donghai County’s industrial sector could provide valuable lessons for Zimbabwe’s industrial development as President’s Mnangagwa’s Government launched initiatives like the Zimbabwe Industrial Reconstruction and Growth Plan to boost the manufacturing sector.

Strengthening trade ties between Donghai County and Zimbabwe could attract more Chinese investment into Zimbabwe’s key sectors, such as mining, agriculture, tourism and manufacturing.

Although not directly related to Donghai’s economic activities, Zimbabwe’s rich cultural heritage and natural beauty, like Victoria Falls, could attract tourists from China, including Donghai County, thereby boosting Zimbabwe’s tourism traffic.

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