World Diamond Congress

World Diamond Congress

The 36th World Diamond Congress meets in Antwerp between June 15 and June 18th as an international roster of delegates attended. The theme revolved around "promoting diamonds in a competitive market". Representatives that participated in the event included those affiliated with the World Federation of Diamond Bourses, the World Jewellery Confederation, the International Diamond Manufacturers Association, and finally, the World Diamond Council. The World Federation of Diamond Bourses' president, Ernest Blom, expresses that he was very happy with the strong attendance of affiliate bourses. He also mentioned being pleased with the topics that were raised and covered at the congress.  Blom, who was reelected for another two-year term by the WFDB, states, "at the heart of our discussions were the sustainability and reputation of the diamond industry and trade at large. Among others, the WFDB resolved to build on its communications strategy and to expedite communications on a global level." Prior to the official opening of the World Diamond Congress, Maxim Shkadov, president of the IDMA gave a speech in which he described its member's impact on the developments in the supply line as "minimal". Despite his comment, he cautioned, " the players in the entire diamond supply pipeline --- from rough producers and distributors to manufacturing and retail jewelers --- must realize that without us, the diamond cutters and polisher, i.e., the beating heart of the diamond trade, the whole industry body will collapse and die."

Antwerp and the World Diamond Congress

As the World Diamond Congress Meets in Antwerp its president of the Antwerp Diamond Bourse, Marcel Pruwer, gave the welcoming address at the congress. In his address, he cited the WFDB's increasing activity to protect and promote the interest of its members. He stated, " This represents a new chapter in the history of the bourses and of the diamond business.  And a new departure point for a strategy that can respond to the challenges of the day with agility, speed, and execution.  In addition to increasing our trade between bourses, we are open to working together with all stakeholders in the industry". He continues, "We live in a totally new consumer world. Our industry needs deeper pools of financing capital.  Better banking, higher profit through the processing parts of the pipeline.  And more innovation, creativity in design and marketing.  Creating more emotional content, a better image, and reputations in all business and political arenas." Rory More O'Ferrall, the honorary vice chairman of the Diamond Development Initiative continued the congress with his keynote address. He notes that dealing with the plight of artisanal diamond diggers has become "an urgent moral and business imperative." Furthermore, he adds that these artisanal miners are just as many members of this industry as are your employees and colleagues and are just as much members of the industry as we are -- you and me -- they are our people.  But for them, nothing much has changed and they don't have a choice." O'Ferrall continues by warning his audience.  "Issues of human rights and social degradation are all too clearly present in the digging fields of Africa.  They increasingly attract media and public attention.  And therefore pose a real threat to the reputation of the industry and the integrity of our product."

Morality and the World Diamond Congress

As the World Diamond Congress meets in Antwerp, in a call for action he states. "This is not just an issue of morality -- doing the right thing -- it is actually a business-driven imperative." As well as to differentiate the product and continue to create value in all the businesses represented here today.  Large or small." The WFDB committees and the Borsa Istanbul finalized an agreement to work together.  Intending to develop the diamond market in Turkey during. Moreover, the WFDB formally accepted and welcomed the Bourse of Canada which is represented by its president, David Gavin.  India's Gem and Jewellery Export Promotion Council was represented by Suresh Shah.  As well as the Korea Diamond Bourse, represented by Change Soo Nam.  The IDMA and the WFDB confirmed that the 2015 presidents' meeting will take place in Ramat Gan, Israel.  The 37th World Diamond Congress will take place in Dubai. http://www.diamondcongress2014.com/ https://www.awdc.be/en/36th-world-diamond-congress-closing-press-conference http://www.wfdb.com/wd-congresses Chinese Diamond Industry