India to Chair Kimberley Process from 1st January 2019

India to Chair Kimberley Process from 1st January 2019

India to Chair Kimberley Process from 1st January 2019

The Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS) Plenary 2018, was held in Brussels, Belgium, from 12th-16th November 2018. EU handed over the Chairmanship of KPCS to India from 1st January, 2019.

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Commerce Secretary, Dr. Anup Wadhawan, said that India as a KP Chair, from 01st January 2019, will be committed to make the KPCS a stronger process in terms of inclusiveness, strengthened administration and implementation, efficient in terms of delivery of what it promises, more transparent and empathetic towards the living standards of people who are dependent on the production, trade and manufacture of diamonds.

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India is sensitive to the issues and challenges of Artisanal & Small-Scale Mining (ASM) and acknowledged the contribution made by the KP members, observers and agencies for the upliftment of ASMs.

This year was the fifteenth anniversary of KPCS. Since its launch in 2003, the Kimberley Process has contributed towards peace, security and prosperity. It has proven to be an effective multilateral tool for conflict prevention in stemming the flow of conflict diamonds.

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The Kimberley Process has made valuable developmental impact in improving the lives of most people dependent on the trade in diamonds.