Africa-Press – Botswana. Botswana is in full support of a universal exemption of tariffs on polished and rough natural diamonds as such would help ensure stable supply chains.
The declaration follows a statement released by the World Diamond Council (WDC) respectfully urging the United States of America’s administration to consider granting a targeted exemption for natural diamonds (HS Codes 7102.10 and 7102.31) from proposed tariffs and to include them on the Annex II list.
Speaking in an interview following a courtesy call by Anglo American CEO, Mr Duncan Wanblad on President Advocate Duma Boko at the Office of the President on Tuesday, Minister of Minerals and Energy, Ms Bogolo Kenewendo indicated that tariffs on diamonds would function as a consumption tax, raising prices of diamond products.
Ms Kenewendo also noted that government was also fully behind the exemption of tariffs on natural diamonds, owing to the impact of diamond sales on the livelihoods of an ordinary citizen.
She said it was important to continue narrating to the world the Botswana diamond story and its mining for development.
“We have to tell the world that our diamonds are responsibly mined and ethically sourced to uplift the nation, since such stories are an inspiration to potential natural diamond buyers and could restore market confidence on Botswana diamond industry.” she said.
Minister Kenewendo stated that Botswana had over the years maintained a cordial working relation with De Beers, hence it was important for the Anglo American top brass to meet with President Boko and address issues regarding the imminent sale of De Beers by Anglo American.
With Botswana being the world’s top producer of diamonds by value, Ms Kenewendo highlighted the importance of Anglo American in hearing Botswana’s submissions in relation to the proposed Anglo American/De Beers lay off.
“Botswana is a key partner with De Beers group with so much interest on any development regarding De Beers, and our new diamond deal is testament to our commitment to De Beers partnership, thus it is only fitting for Anglo American to constantly keep Botswana on check,” she said.
Additionally, Ms Kenewendo indicated that the implementation of the new diamond deal between Botswana and De Beers was in full swing following the conclusion of negotiations announced on February 3.
She said the execution of the new deal would guarantee a transformational package of commitments focused on supporting Botswana’s economic development objectives and advancement of the diamond industry that had been agreed upon.
Similarly, she said government was keen on ensuring that the renewed partnership with De Beers was well implemented in order to drive development through diamonds and build a brighter future for Batswana as the country entered an exciting new phase of Botswana’s sustainable economic development.
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