Botswana is undoubtedly a very strange name, but if you mention the American classic comedy "God is crazy", few people are unfamiliar. The story told in this film takes place in Botswana, a landlocked country on the southern tip of the African continent. This country with only three residents per square kilometer has the highest diamond output value.

In 1966, Botswana was one of the poorest countries in the world. It was reported that this barren land was only 6 kilometers of asphalt road, and the educated population was only more than 20 middle school students. With the discovery of diamond mines in the 1970s, they quickly gained a steady stream of wealth.

As the world's largest value-based diamond producer, Botswana's annual diamond production is over 30 million carats. Not only is the output high, but Botswana also has more than 100 carats of gem-quality diamonds available for sale at millions of dollars.

钻石之国

However, due to the high dependence on diamonds, it also poses a hidden danger for the economic development of Botswana. With the collapse of commodity prices in the past two years, neither iron ore nor crude oil has been spared, and even noble diamonds have begun to fall. Botswana President Kama said in his State of the Union address in November that Botswana was affected by the low global growth and high uncertainty, and that the national economy faced the challenge of falling prices of diamonds and other mineral products. As of August last year, the global benchmark price of 1 carat and 0.3 carat diamonds fell by 12.9% and 29% respectively over the past year.

Affected by the decline in diamond revenue, the Botswana government has repeatedly lowered its 2015 economic growth forecast from 4.9% to 1%. The Minister of Finance and Development of Botswana, Kenneth Matanbo, said that the global economy, especially the major diamond purchasers, has continued to slow down and has had a profound impact on the Botswana economy. The reduction in production in Botswana caused a 14% decline in the mining sector last year, which led to a low economic growth throughout the country and a slowdown in other sectors. Analysts expect that if this situation does not improve, the Botswana economy will continue to grow and will face challenges in the next decade.

Analysts suggest that to avoid a financial crisis caused by the decline in diamond revenues, it is necessary to achieve economic diversification, thereby reducing high unemployment. For example, to further develop tourism, Botswana has rich tourism resources such as the Okavango Delta and the Kalahari Desert. In addition, Botswana can also be transformed from domestic rough diamond exports to domestic diamond processing.

At the launching ceremony of the day, Kama said that the economic stimulus plan is to cope with the current unfavorable economic environment. A major challenge is the decline in commodity prices in the mining sector, including diamonds. The government will promote economic growth by increasing government spending, promoting economic diversification and accelerating job creation in specific areas, and buffering the impact of international mining volatility on the economy.

The stimulus package will focus on infrastructure, agriculture, tourism, manufacturing and services, with a special economic zone and economic diversification drive. The plan has received much attention in Botswana since its announcement in November last year, but Botswana has a long way to go before it truly diversifies.

Men's Jacket

Men Duck Down Jacket,Men'S Jacket,Winter Jacket,Fashion Men'S Jacket

SHAOXING NEWGROUND TEXTILE TRADING CO., LIMITED , https://www.shaoxingnewground.com