Zimbabwe engages four diamond cutters

Zimbabwe has engaged four international diamond cutting and polishing firms as part of the  country's strategies to add value to its natural resources.

President Robert Mugabe told thousands of party supporters on Saturday that the move will help boost revenue earnings and employment creation in the country.

"To encourage value addition and beneficiation in this sector, government has secured the services of four reputable diamond cutting and polishing companies, while measures are being put in place to set up a local base metal and platinum refinery," Mugabe said.

This comes as Zimbabwe has been criticised for exporting raw diamonds, a situation economic analysts say is depriving the country maximum benefits from its gems.