CHINGOLA, Zambia, Feb. 20 (Xinhua) -- An industry body on Wednesday urged Chinese enterprises to partner with gemstone miners in Zambia in order to explore the vast potential of the country's gemstone sector.

Victor Kalesha, president of the Emerald and Semi-precious Stones Mining Association, said Chinese enterprises have the expertise and technology which could be used to grow Zambia's gemstone sector.

"Our appeal to Government through the Ministry of Mines and Mineral Development is to foster partnership between Chinese enterprises with local miners in the gemstone mining sector to enhance production which will contribute positively towards the economic growth of the country," he said.

The official expressed optimism that value addition to the rich Zambian gemstones will create hundreds of jobs for the local people, stressing that the industry has more than 400 small scale mines.

He said some of the mines are currently idle and urged the government to arrange for partnerships with Chinese enterprises to revamp such mines.

He said some Chinese enterprises have conducted exploration works in the gemstone sector.