Sana’a - SABA:
The Minister of Culture and Tourism, Dr. Ali Al-Yafei, directed the issuance of a draft decision to ban the import of foreign agate to Yemen in all its forms and types, along with a prohibition on its trade.
Dr. Al-Yafei explained to the Yemeni News Agency (SABA) that the ministry has issued a decree and circular to ban the import and trade of foreign agate in Yemen, fight its smuggling, and bring those involved in its trade to justice. He also sent a memorandum to the Minister of Finance instructing customs to prevent foreign agate from entering the country and to combat its smuggling.
The minister expressed hope for cooperation from all relevant agencies in enforcing the decision and using all possible means to prevent the entry of foreign agate.
He noted that the ministry is currently working on a draft decision to be submitted to the Cabinet for approval. He clarified that importing fake gemstones from abroad poses a significant threat to the production and trade of the original, world-renowned Yemeni agate.
Minister Al-Yafei emphasized the importance of this decision in protecting Yemeni agate as a national treasure from forgery and misrepresentation, as it is a key part of Yemen’s cultural and historical identity. He also pointed to the positive outcomes of the previous decision to ban the import of foreign coffee, which led to increased domestic coffee production and expanded cultivation, highlighting the strategic and national importance of such policies in serving the public interest.
He added that with the decision’s enactment, any discovered quantities of foreign agate in local markets will be confiscated, and legal action will be taken against those involved.
Yemeni agate has long held a prominent place among Yemen’s famous products and national exports, alongside coffee and honey, and enjoys a broad international reputation for its beauty and luster.
Agate is one of Yemen’s most renowned gemstones, deeply connected to the country's heritage and recognized as a valuable national asset. Skilled artisans traditionally extract it from mountain seams using simple tools, and a single distinguished Yemeni agate stone can sell for over 500 USD.
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