INDIA EYES ZAMBIAN GEMS

By BUUMBA CHIMBULU

INDIA’S Gem and Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) has intensified efforts to strengthen trade ties with Zambia, urging stakeholders to unlock greater value from the country’s abundant gemstone resources through increased processing, manufacturing and exports.

The call came during the India-Zambia Global Connect forum held in Lusaka on Tuesday under the theme “Building Strategic Trade Partnerships in Gems, Jewellery and Precious Stones.” 

The meeting brought together policymakers, traders and industry players from both countries to explore opportunities for collaboration across the gemstone value chain.

GJEPC Executive Director Sabyasachi Ray said the initiative, which was launched during the Covid-19 pandemic to overcome travel restrictions, had grown into an important platform for direct government-to-government and business-to-business engagement.

Mr Ray said discussions at the forum focused on expanding gemstone sourcing opportunities from Zambia and strengthening supply chains between the two countries.

He noted that the council, which operates as a non-profit organisation, represents a broad network of diamond exporters, manufacturers, gemstone traders, silver jewellery producers and imitation jewellery dealers.

“Although India does not have domestic diamond mines, it has established itself as the world’s leading diamond processing centre. Fourteen out of every 15 diamonds used in jewellery globally are cut and polished in India,” Mr Ray said.

He added that the council is also seeking stronger institutional cooperation and business networking initiatives that could pave the way for a roadmap to boost bilateral trade in gems and jewellery.

Meanwhile, Ministry of Mines and Minerals Development Permanent Secretary HapengaKabeta challenged investors to increase investments in downstream mineral processing, stressing that the country’s economic future depends on adding value to minerals locally rather than exporting raw gemstones.

In remarks delivered for him by Director of Mines Development Fred Banda, Dr Kabetasaid the forum comes at a time when global markets are increasingly seeking resilient supply chains and stronger bilateral partnerships.

At the same event, India’s High Commissioner to Zambia Alok Ranjan Jha revealed that bilateral trade between Zambia and India grew by 23 percent during the 2025/2026 financial year.

Mr Jha described the growth as encouraging but noted that trade volumes between the two countries remain well below their full potential.

Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry Director of Foreign Trade Bessie Chelemuwelcomed the continued engagement between the country’s jewellery sector and Indian investors, saying dialogue was crucial for addressing regulatory challenges and understanding private sector needs.