An employee of KGK Diamonds Botswana inspects a diamond in Gaborone, Botswana, Jan. 18, 2023. (Photo by Tshekiso Tebalo/Xinhua)
Botswanan President Mokgweetsi Masisi says that developing raw materials value chains allows for innovation and builds sustainability, particularly in the diamond industry.
GABORONE, Jan. 20 (Xinhua) -- Botswanan President Mokgweetsi Masisi said Wednesday that developing raw materials value chains allows for innovation and builds sustainability, particularly in the diamond industry.
A model presents the jewelry of KGK Diamonds Botswana during the opening ceremonies for KGK Diamonds Botswana and KGK Jewelry Factories in Gaborone, Botswana, Jan. 18, 2023. (Photo by Tshekiso Tebalo/Xinhua)
In his remarks at the opening ceremonies for KGK Diamonds Botswana and KGK Jewelry Factories in Gaborone, Botswana's capital, Masisi emphasized the importance of moving up the value chain in order to seize opportunities to create new industries.
"Value chains are key to the deepening of economic diversification in this country. The government has taken a decision to add value to all its natural resources including diamonds. This will increase the contribution of the mineral sector to Botswana's gross domestic product," he said.
An employee of KGK Diamonds Botswana inspects a diamond in Gaborone, Botswana, Jan. 18, 2023. (Photo by Tshekiso Tebalo/Xinhua)
He explained that the government's long-term goal is to find ways to increase the value of Botswana's diamonds and other natural resources through the beneficiation and exploitation of supply chains.
To this end, the country has increased the number of diamond-cutting and polishing factories from 16 to 33 since 2008, he said.
Masisi praised KGK Diamonds Botswana for its role in developing the country's diamond industry and its cutting-edge approach to manufacturing jewelry while also pursuing a green economy. ■
