Botswana teams visits SDA, invites diamond units to start operations

Botswana officials extended an invitation to the diamond unit owners to start their units in the country

Surat: A delegation from Botswana High Commission in India is on a visit to the city. The delegation visited the Surat Diamond Association (SDA) on Wednesday and held a meeting with its office-bearers and diamond unit owners.

Botswana High Commissioner Gilbert Shimane Mangole and director of international business, Botswana Investment and Trade Centre, Dipopego Julius Tsheko, were part of the delegation.

The delegation informed SDA officials that in future, the Botswana government’s share in rough diamond mining will increase. Botswana government is focusing on increasing cutting and polishing and generating employment. The government is also focusing on developing jewellery manufacturing.

Botswana officials extended an invitation to the diamond unit owners to start their units in Botswana. The delegation offered participation in auction and direct sale of rough diamonds to the units in Botswana.

In the meeting, city’s diamond unit owners raised concerns about safety and security in Botswana if they start units there. “Incidents of theft and loot are a concern for diamond units. Health services are also a concern,” said a diamond unit owner.

“The Botswana government is offering various benefits to diamond units if they start operations there. But this will lead to loss of jobs for our workforce. They have made offers in the past as well but the response is limited,” said an official of SDA.

Earlier, the delegation had held a meeting with officials of Southern Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SGCCI) to discuss various trade possibilities.

Courtesy: TOI