Staff Reporter
Zimbabwe is set to attend the 40th World Diamond Congress (WDC) which will be held in Israel at the end of this month.
A highly placed source in the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development (MMMD) revealed to this publication that his ministry was going to participate in the 40th World Diamond Congress (WDC) from 27 to 30 March 2023.
“The Second Republic`s efforts are doing a tremendous work in all sectors of the economy. The sectors of the economy are now proving to be significant to the international community. In a recent development, the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development (MMMD) is expected to join other countries from 27 to 30 March at the 40th World Diamond Congress. The event is going to be held in Israel.
“This is a positive development since Zimbabwe is anticipating reaching a target of 7 million carats of diamonds this year,” said the source.
According to the source the congress was meant to provide a dialogue platform for all organizations and Governments involved in international diamond trade.
The source further mentioned that the discussions would be on issues of responsible sourcing that ensure diamonds remain conflict free, at the same time improving the livelihoods of the communities.
Meanwhile, the event would be attended by the Chairman of the Kimberly Process Certification Scheme (KPCS) who is also Zimbabwe’s Minister of Mines and Mining Development, Winston Chitando, President of World Diamond Council (WDC), Edward Asscher, President of the World Jewellery Confederation, Gaetano Cavalieri, Co-Chairman of De Beers Group, Bruce Cleaver, President of Israel Diamond Exchange, Boaz Moldawsky, Minister of Mines of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Antoinette Kalambayi, as well as Natural Diamond Council of Executive Officer, David Kellie, among others.
Analysts have commended this projected visit by Government representative at high level indicating that since the country is the Chair of the KPCS it would be a greater opportunity of building the country`s diamond image. The analysts have highlighted that the continued interaction with international diamond industry bodies would also assist in the marketing of the country`s diamonds.
