Zim ready to take over KPCS chair in 2023 Minister Monica Mutsvangwa

Bongani Ndlovu, Business Reporter
ZIMBABWE has been elected vice chair of the Kimberly Process Certification Scheme (KPCS) for 2022, which means that the country will automatically take over the chair of the multilateral trade regime in 2023.

The results of the elections are an endorsement of Zimbabwe’s engagement and re-engagement drive with all nations of the world.

Guided by its mantra “Zimbabwe isopen for business”, the Second Republic led by President Mnangagwa is restoring respect for the country through rolling our comprehensive economic reforms as well   as driving inclusive development across sectors.

Established in 2003 by the United Nations General Council, the Kimberley Process’ objective is to prevent the flow of conflict diamonds.

Through it, member states implement safeguards on shipments of rough diamonds and certify them as “conflict free”.

In a post-Cabinet briefing on Tuesday evening, Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Monica Mutsvangwa, said Zimbabwe was elected during the plenary meeting held in Moscow from November 8 to 12, 2021.

She said Cabinet adopted the update on the KPCS, which was presented by the Minister of Mines and Mining Development, Winston Chitando.

“Government is pleased to formally announce that Zimbabwe was elected vice chair of the Kimberly Process Certification Scheme (KPCS) for 2022 at the plenary meeting held in Moscow from 8th to 12th November, 2021,” said Mutsvangwa.

“By practice of the Kimberly Process, this means that the country will automatically take over the chair of the KPCS in 2023.”

The KPCS works as a tripartite body with the current setup having Industry represented by the World Diamond Council, Civil Society Coalition; and Governments.

“Zimbabwe will immediately start preparations to take over the chair and run the secretariat in 2023.

“Preparations will also commence for the hosting of the two annual meetings of the KPCS in 2023, namely: the intersessional and plenary, establishment of a skeleton secretariat to start learning from other countries in hosting the chairmanship and secretariat,” said the minister.

“Cognisant that Zimbabwe will take over the chair in the year that the KPCS holds its review cycle, preparations in that regard will also commence.”

Minister Mutsvangwa also said Zimbabwe was nominated as incoming chair of the African Diamond Producers Association (ADPA) for 2022.

“As the ADPA chair, Zimbabwe will carry out the following mandate; ensuring that African diamond producers present a united voice on the international diamond scene on matters affecting them, promoting cooperation and information sharing amongst ADPA member States, formulating strategies to improve the African diamond industry; and engaging African countries who are not members of ADPA,” she said.

“Zimbabwe is currently a member of all the working groups and committees, with the exception of the committee on rules and procedures. This has further reinforced Zimbabwe’s profile and respect.” — @bonganinkunzi

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