Windhoek: International Labour Organisation (ILO) Director-General Gilbert Houngbo has praised Namibia's downstream diamond industry for its efforts in promoting decent work, employment creation, and skills development. He highlighted that the country's governance practices offer a solid foundation for responsible business and sustainable economic growth.According to Namibia Press Agency, Houngbo made these remarks during an official visit to Finestar Jewellery and Diamonds Namibia on Friday. The visit, hosted by Namib Desert Diamonds (Namdia), included a tour of the diamond cutting and polishing facility, where he was briefed on its operations.The purpose of the visit was to showcase Namibia's downstream diamond industry and its contributions to employment, skills development, and economic growth. The ILO delegation, led by Minister of Justice and Labour Relations Fillemon Wise Immanuel, comprised senior officials from both the ministry and the ILO.Shihaleni Ndjaba, representing the Namdia Board of Dir ectors, emphasized the company's commitment to partnerships based on trust, transparency, and shared values. "As Namdia celebrates its 10th anniversary, our mandate extends beyond marketing and selling rough diamonds to ensuring Namibia's natural resources create lasting value for the country and its people," he stated.Immanuel praised Namdia and Finestar Jewellery and Diamonds Namibia for their roles in creating employment opportunities, developing local skills, and contributing to the national economy before introducing the ILO Director-General.Houngbo commended the working conditions at the facility, noting that Namibia's governance framework supports responsible business practices, decent work, and long-term economic development. Guided by factory manager Gyanshyam Baldaniya, Houngbo observed the company's diamond cutting and polishing operations.Namdia remarked that the visit reaffirmed the importance of Namibia's downstream diamond industry in advancing responsible beneficiation while fostering em ployment opportunities and technical expertise. "The engagement reaffirmed the important role of Namibia's downstream diamond industry in creating jobs, developing skills and advancing responsible beneficiation, while demonstrating the value of collaboration between government and industry in driving sustainable economic development," the company stated.