Belgian Government, Royals Prioritize Diamond Industry

The Belgian diamond industry is benefitting from strong support from the country's elected government and its hereditary royals, with the former agreeing to adapt the country's tax laws to the needs of the local diamond trade, and the latter leading a delegation to Africa to promote it abroad.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade and European Affairs Didier Reynders said that the taxes applicable to Belgian diamantaires must take into account the steep competition they face from diamond centers in Hong Kong and Dubai, Rough and Polished reports.

Reynders will join Princess Astrid when she leads a trade delegation to Angola in a bid to boost relations between the two countries' diamond sectors. The mission will take place between October 20-27.

High-level meetings between Angolan and Belgian officials are planned, as are networking opportunities and workshops, connecting Belgian companies from a wide array of industries with their Angolan counterparts.

Kris Peeters, Minister-President and Minister for Economy, Foreign Policy, Agriculture and Rural Policy, Government of Flanders will also take part in the trade mission.

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