The 2011 Presidents' Meeting of the International Diamond Manufacturers Association (IDMA) was held in Botswana due to the crucial role Botswana plays as a global diamond producer and in recognition of the need for the creation of a sustainable diamond value chain in Botswana, said Moti Ganz, president of the IDMA, president of the Israel Diamond Manufacturers Association, and Chairman of the Israel Diamond Institute.



Speaking at the gala dinner, Botswana's Acting Vice President, Dr. P.H.K. Kedikilwe, who is also the Minister of Minerals Energy and Water Resources, said that his government would take solid and constructive steps to advance the establishment of a profitable and sustainable diamond manufacturing center in Botswana.



"The issues raised at the Pitso were very interesting and many of them touched on the very core of our aspirations for the development of a diamond center in Botswana. I want to applaud you for focusing on issues that count. While Botswana is a key player in the diamond industry, the diamond industry is not about Botswana: we are conscious that we are part of the picture, albeit a big picture," Kedikilwe said.



"To build a sustainable Botswana diamond center [we need] to address many of the challenges such as the cost of doing business in Botswana, skills, funding of the industry and so on. We are continuing to look at a number of initiatives," he added.