Rapaport raps Belgium’s diamond industry ‘claw back’
Friday, January 26, 2024 | 650 Views |
![Speaking out: Rapaport is known to be outspoken on various issues in the global diamond industry PIC: MBONGENI MGUNI](https://cdn4.premiumread.com/?url=https://www.mmegi.bw/mmegi/uploads/images/2024/01/29/98353.jpg&w=800&q=72&f=jpg&t=1)
Speaking out: Rapaport is known to be outspoken on various issues in the global diamond industry PIC: MBONGENI MGUNI
Botswana and other African producers are unhappy over the G7’s plan which states that from September all polished diamonds should be routed through Antwerp for certification that the stones are not of Russian origin. A G7 team that was in the country last week for consultation left without providing any assurances to local authorities.
Minerals and Energy minister, Lefoko Moagi, previously described the G7’s proposals as ‘market swallowing’, while De Beers, the world’s single biggest industry producer outside of Russia, has equally noted its outrage on the issue.
The BDP as a party known to have ample resources has always held its primaries well in time, but this time around that was not the case. The first leg of the primaries was held last weekend, with the final leg being billed for the coming weekend. This time around, the BDP failed to shine in its primary elections. The elections were chaotic; most if not all polling stations didn't open at the specified time of 6am. Loyal BDP members braved the...