In a new step to expand its research, Gemological Institute of America which is popularly known as "GIA" is planning to come up with a Laboratory in Gaborone, Botswana in the later part of 2008, specifically in quater 4 of 2008.

Once the Lab is set, Educational courses and classes would begin immediately in this lab during the initial part of 2009. The step comes about after observing the high potential of this country in producing diamonds.

Botswana, a south african country, was judged as the world's top diamond producing country in the year 2007. This was in terms of value. 24 per cent of the worlds total, approximately $3 billion worth diamonds were produced from this country.

This country also ranked 2nd in the volume of diamonds produced. With about 33,638,000 carats which forms the 20% of world's total, the country was placed second to the Russian federation.

Botswana is also known best for using diamond trade to benefit its people. The diamond producing system has most of the local people employed.

Tom Moses, the senior vice president of GIA Lab and research said that GIA would be hiring around 20 local staff who will also be offered scholarships, education and trainings.

With this new laboratory, GIA would now have 4 lab outide USA which includes Mumbai (India), Bangkok, Thailand, and Johannesburg (South Africa). Plus GIA has some services from Dubai (UAE) and Hong Kong.