A high-ranking delegation of diamond investors is expected to visit Zimbabwe next week.



According to a government statement quoted by All Africa, the

mission will include delegates from the Antwerp Diamond Bank, the State Bank of India and officials from 24 renowned diamond companies – members of the Antwerp World Diamond Centre and Belgium's International Diamond Trade representatives.



Zimbabwe's Mines and Mining Development Minister Obert Moses Mpofu





The mission is expected to hold talks with Mines and Mining Development Ministry officials and other stakeholders, as well as tour diamond mining operations in Chiadzwa.



Commenting on the expected visit, Mines Minister Obert Mpofu said: "Belgium is one of the countries that imposed sanctions on Zimbabwe through the European Union, but is sending high-powered players who have decided to engage us despite the embargo in order to foster serious trade ties with us."



He further described the visit as "a positive development for Zimbabwe... To us this is a very important development which was long overdue.

"It is likely to render the sanctions madness meaningless and from the list of delegation there are 29 renowned diamond companies who are members of the Antwerp World Diamond Centre," Mpofu said.



The companies set to take part in the mission include Aftergut and Sons, Rosy Blue, Anglobelge, Excellent Diamond Cutting, Omega Diamonds, Star Diamond, Pryanka Gems, Diamcad, Eurostar, Windiam, Brinks, Grunfeld, Sauraj Diamonds, Sushang, Adiam, Arjav, Diancoster, Sneh Diam, Pluczenik and Driesassur.