Mizoram can be hub for gems trading: officials

Aizawl, Nov 20 (UNI) Mizoram Chief Minister Zoramthanga's advisor (technical) Ramhluna Khiangte today assrted that the state could become a major hub for the gemstones trade.

''Even though Mizoram does not produce precious stones, it can become a hub in gemstones trading because the neighbouring Myanmar has rich resources of ruby, sapphire and jade which are in great demand in India,'' Mr Khiangte said.

The advisor inaugurated a week-long training on gemstones identification and graded the state's geology and mining conference hall today.

The training was jointly conducted by the state Commerce Ministry's Gems and Jewellery Export Promotion Council and the Geology and Mining Wing under the state Industries department.

Regional director of the council Raj Guru also noted that Mizoram is adjacent to Myanmar which has a vast resource of precious stones for which India is a good market.

He informed that more such trainings would be conducted here in the future.

Earlier, officials had hinted that diamonds were being smuggled through Mizoram after concealing them under metal scraps.

UNI