File photo: CGTN

GABORONE, Nov. 6 (Xinhua) -- Botswanan President Mokgweetsi Masisi on Tuesday urged here the diamond industry to include people from mining areas in the value chain.

The recently inaugurated president made the remarks at the fifth Diamond Conference, which was organized by the global mining giant De Beers and the Botswanan government.

As one of the largest diamond exporters, Botswana also needs to move further into jewelry, manufacturing and retail, "with a view to promoting Gaborone as a diamond city and Botswana as the No. 1 diamond destination," said Masisi.

The Botswanan government is in negotiation with De Beers Group for a new diamond sales pact to replace their current 10-year deal which expires in 2020.