EMERALD SUMMIT TO EXPLORE HOW ZAMBIA CAN BENEFIT FROM GEMSTONES

How can the Zambian emerald sector best be developed into a world leader while ensuring that the relevant revenues and profits accrue within Zambia?

Gemfields emerald miners

That is one of the topics being explored this week at the first Zambian Emerald Summit, which will be held in Lusaka from May 30-31.

Local and international delegates will meet to discuss such controversial issues as transfer pricing, revenues and tax payments, issues affecting small-scale miners, adding value to gemstones, tracing and certification, marketing and auctions.

The aim to is facilitate a meaningful dialogue between key stakeholders in the emerald industry and provide an opportunity for industry outsiders to better understand the emerald sector.

Local industry stakeholders, international gemstone and policy experts, and government representatives will also explore how the Zambian emerald sector might best be developed into a world leader whilst ensuring that the relevant revenues and profits accrue within Zambia.

The two-day session at the Intercontinental Hotel in Lusaka will include presentations, panel discussions, Q&A sessions and networking events.

Registration is ZMW 550, including refreshments, lunch and dinner on Thursday, May 30, and a networking barbecue on Friday, May 31. The summit begins at 09:00 on Thursday, May 30, 2013. Participants (who are required to pre-register in advance) are requested to arrive by 08:30 to complete enrolment formalities.

Participation is complimentary for representatives of the following bodies who register in advance: Bank of Zambia; Ministry of Commerce, Trade & Industry; Ministry of Finance; Ministry of Mines, Energy & Water Development; Zambia Revenue Authority and ZCCM-IH.

Spaces are limited and interested parties are requested to register as soon as possible to avoid disappointment. Registration forms are available from christina.wiese@gemfields.co.uk