Zimbabwe wants direct diamond trade with India

Mumbai: Zimbabwe government is planning to establish a "direct link" with India for diamond trading without third party involvement, it said today.

"Both India and Zimbabwe want a direct trade in diamonds without involving any third party. India has been importing diamonds mined in our country via third party till now. 

A direct link will create a seamless supply chain, which will boost the industry further in both the countries," Zimbabwe Minister of Mines and Mine Development Walter Chidakwa said.

Chidakwa was speaking to PTI at the International Diamond Conference here.

He met the Union Minister of State for Mines Piyush Goyal who shared similar ideas and assured of complete support, Chidakwa said.

"We have a message to the Indian companies that there has been a lull (in diamond supply from Zimbabwe) but very soon we will be back in the market and will be able to sell the diamonds," he said.

Zimbabwe will require skilled manpower to increase diamond manufacturing and will need India's support, Chidakwa said.

"I will soon meet with India's minister for skill development and entrepreneurship Rajiv Pratap Rudy and discuss how India can contribute in skill development in the diamond sector, which will help in creating employment in Zimbabwe," Chidakwa said.