GABORONE, Oct. 8 (Xinhua) -- The head office of the international diamond regulator Kimberley Process Secretariat (KPS) officially opened on Tuesday in Gaborone, Botswana's capital city.
The opening and handover ceremony followed the signing of the Host Country Agreement between the government of Botswana and the Kimberly Process Secretariat in April.
Botswana's Minister of Minerals and Energy Lefoko Moagi said it is a significant milestone for the KPS to have a permanent home in Botswana. "It is only befitting that Botswana hosts the KPS office to demonstrate our position as a leading producer of diamonds by value in the world," said Moagi.
As a founding member of the Kimberley Process, Botswana was motivated to bid to host the KPS because of the value and importance diamonds have had on the country.
Botswana also sought to improve the efficiency of its implementation and contribute to its continued evolution to stay relevant and fit for purpose in this dynamic global diamond trading market environment, according to Moagi.
"Diamond trade is the mainstay of our economy. There is no greater motivation than to host the KPS and continue the legacy and the spirit of the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme," said Moagi.
Executive Secretary of the Kimberley Process Tang Bojun said the opening of the office is a landmark event that cements the foundation for a more structured and effective Kimberley Process, built to serve its members and uphold its values.
"This office signifies more than just an office or a building. It establishes continuity, institutional memory, and ongoing support for the working groups and focal points that drive the Kimberley Process's mission forward," said Tang.
He added that the office provides the structure and stability needed to ensure that the Kimberley Process can operate better, faster, and in a more organized fashion.
The Kimberley Process is an international certification scheme to protect the legitimate trade in rough diamonds through its Kimberley Process Certification Scheme effective from 2003.
The trade regime has 59 participants representing 85 countries that account for approximately 99.8 percent of the global production of rough diamonds. ■
