Talks to cushion diamond cutters reach business end

Masire
Masire

Government will today be locked in the final round of crunch talks with De Beers and representatives of the Botswana Diamonds Manufacturers Association (BDMA) aimed at crafting measures to save job losses in the cutting and polishing industry.

Due to depressed polished prices set against high rough prices, cutting and polishing companies globally, are facing difficulties with the local industry’s situation exacerbated by the comparatively higher labour costs.

In an interview with BusinessWeek yesterday, Coordinator of relocation & opportunities at the Diamond Hub, Mmetla Masire said while the major forces affecting the industry were external global factors, collective efforts to find local solutions are being pursued. A high level meeting between representatives from De Beers, Diamond Hub and manufacturers is scheduled for today. The meeting is expected to be the final round of negotiations, which began in February, between the three parties.

Editor's Comment
Congratulations Anicia Gaothuse!

The contest had 10 beautiful young girls as finalists and unfortunately only one could wear the crown.The judges picked Anicia Gaothuse. To all those who feel their contestant should have won ahead of Anicia for whatever reason, hardly; the judges found Anicia to be the best among the best, so desist from disrespecting our newly crowned queen on social media or anywhere else, for that matter! Each of the 10 beautiful young women had supporters...

Have a Story? Send Us a tip
arrow up