Kimberley Process chairman visits Namibia As part of his KP Africa Initiative, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Kimberley Process (KP) chairman, Ahmed Bin Sulayem, met with Prime Minister Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila in Windhoek to discuss matters related to the Kimberley Process.The talks focused principally on initiatives regarding rough diamond valuation and the country''s diversification strategy to foster economic growth through revenues generated from the sale of rough diamonds.
A Kimberley Process member since 2003, Namibia became the vice-chair in 2008, taking the KP chair role in 2009.
“Natural resources have always been important to Namibia, especially diamonds, as they contribute a significant amount to our GDP. What is important about this is the funding that the diamond industry supplies to help Namibia diversify its economy. We cannot rely on diamonds forever, so this government is looking at ways to optimise benefits from diamonds to improve people''s lives while at the same time building a new economy for the future,” Kuugongelwa-Amadhila said.
Bin Sulayem commented: “Namibia is an active member of the Kimberley Process and is embracing the country''s new business framework to provide more jobs in the mining sector and other parts of the economy. This aligns well with our KP rough diamond valuation initiative.
“Across the country, a robust infrastructure is in place, and business opportunities are emerging for the benefit of Namibia. With several airlines opening direct flights to Namibia, including Qatar Airways, I expect to see increased connectivity and trade with GCC and other countries going forward.”
BENZINGA