Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) —  From 12 to 15 November 2024, the 21st annual Plenary Meeting of the Kimberley Process was held in Dubai (UAE), with a delegation from Uzbekistan participating. The delegation included representatives from the Ministry of Investments, Industry, and Trade, the State Assay Inspection under the Ministry of Economy and Finance, and the "Uzbekzargarsanoati" Association.

During the meeting, Uzbekistan’s application to join the Kimberley Process was discussed. After deliberation, a positive decision was made, and Uzbekistan was approved as a full member.

The decision to admit the country came as a result of an expert mission visit in October 2024. The mission included representatives from Kimberley Process member states and observers from the World Diamond Council.

Following the visit, the experts highly praised Uzbekistan’s compliance with the minimum requirements of the Kimberley Process.

The efforts to join the Kimberley Process were initiated under the Decree of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, No. UP-104, from 23 July 2024, "On Measures to Further Develop the Jewelry Industry and Ensure Its Competitiveness."

The Kimberley Process is an international intergovernmental initiative aimed at preventing the entry of illegally mined, so-called "blood" or "conflict" diamonds into the global market. The initiative seeks to prevent the funding of regional conflicts and international terrorist organizations through the sale of such diamonds.

Joining the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme will support national jewelry industry manufacturers, ensure their rights in the international market, establish cooperation based on internationally recognized standards, improve Uzbekistan’s image, promote the exchange of advanced foreign technologies, attract foreign investment, and enhance the country’s economic potential.