Tanzania has decided to impose a temporary ban on exports of gemstones. The move comes in the wake of Tanzania’s efforts to strengthen the gemstones domestic market and transform Tanzania’s northern tourist city of Arusha into a gemstone centre, report says.

Also, the decision has been aimed at controlling the gem business in the country. According to the reports from the Arusha International Gem Fair say, the suspension would be temporary following the planned Arusha International Gem Fair scheduled for November 18-20, 2014.

The Arusha International Gem Fair would be jointly organised by the Ministry of Energy and Minerals and the Tanzania Mineral Dealers Association (TAMIDA). The fair would be held at the Mount Meru Hotel, Arusha. However, it has been clarified that the suspension has nothing to do with registered exhibitors. The four-day event brings together premier gemstone and mineral producers from thirteen Sub-Saharan African countries in one forum.

The report further adds that, the fair would see the participation of Tanzania (host), Zambia, Madagascar, Mozambique, Kenya, Ethiopia and DRC Congo. Others are South Africa, Namibia, Uganda, Malawi and Zimbabwe---purely a Sub-Saharan initiative. The fair would include renowned industry leaders, respected mineral collectors, dealers, lapidary seminars and demonstrations, and round-table discussions with government leaders and industry players from regional African partners.