Surat diamond and jewellery entrepreneurs to get protection in Botswana

SURAT, GUJARAT : Surat’s diamond industry leaders explored potential collaborations with Botswana as a delegation from the African nation visited the city seeking investment. Botswana High Commission Ambassador Gilbert Shimon Mengol and Director of International Business Botswana Investment and Trade Dipopego Julias Sheko met with members of the Surat Diamond Association (SDA) in Varachha on Wednesday.

The two-day visit aimed to attract Surat’s established diamantaires and jewellery manufacturers to set up factories in Botswana. “The stake of the Botswana government in diamond production is expected to increase in the coming years,” Ambassador Mengol stated.  “We have formulated a robust beneficiation policy to create local employment in diamond cutting and polishing,” he explained, highlighting the government’s plan to extend the diamond value chain within Botswana.

“We invite Surat’s diamantaires and jewellery manufacturers to Botswana to set up their factories,” said Sheko. “The Botswana government will provide all kinds of support to Surat entrepreneurs in procuring rough diamonds through auctions and direct sales,” she elaborated on the investment incentives offered.

However, Surat’s diamantaires raised concerns regarding security for the diamond community in Botswana, the lack of a skilled workforce, operational costs, and potential issues like theft and robbery. SDA members urged the Botswana representatives to address these challenges to create a more favorable environment for Indian businesses.

Sheko responded by assuring the diamantaires that “the Botswana government is committed to the safety and security of diamantaires setting up businesses in our country.”

This visit signifies a potential shift in the diamond industry landscape, with Surat’s expertise possibly complementing Botswana’s growing diamond production. Whether these talks translate into concrete partnerships will depend on Botswana’s ability to address the concerns raised by Surat’s established diamantaires.