President Emmerson Mnangagwa has officially opened the extraordinary meeting of the African Diamond Producers Association (ADPA) committee of experts and ministers in the resort town of Victoria Falls.
Officiating at the event, President Mnangagwa said it is humbling that Zimbabwe has been chosen to host the meeting as the country is also working on sustainable industry for African.
“On behalf of the people of Zimbabwe l welcome you to Zimbabwe. I trust you have found the arrangement satisfactory. Feel at home and enjoy the Zimbabwean hospitality.
“The mining sector is a contributor to world economic development and a big forex earner. In view of the rich natural base the mining sector has a duty to be the catalyst in social economic development and growth of economies.
“We have set a target of achieving a $12billion mining industry by 2023. This is a clear reflection of the importance of diamond mining toward the attainment of vision 2030,” he said.
Mnangagwa implored players in the mining sector to advance science and technology in order to achieve universal health, improve agriculture, promote entrepreneurship.
“We remain seized with the implementation of energy generation and transportation network for the growth of all sectors.
“The diamond sector contributes a lot world wide to the economy. Africa produces about 60% of the world diamonds. African producing countries must increase beneficiation to becomes major producers of the resource,” he said.
Zwnews
