Botswana's World Diamond Ambitions Take Shape

The bank and its partners have come up with a specific package to finance Botswana's diamond industry. The opening of the bank in Botswana comes less than a week after government went into high gear in its bid to become a leading rough diamond trading centre by inviting a number of international rough dealers - virtually all DTC Sightholders - to apply for a Precious Stones Dealers Licence.

Underscoring these intentions at the official opening of ABN AMRO Bank Botswana at the Diamond Technology Park, Vice President Mompati Merafhe said the bank's opening will make the country "sparkle even more". He stated that the opening of ABN AMRO office in Botswana is indeed a second jewel in the crown after the establishment of DTC.