|
Press Release: Ari Epstein, the CEO of the Antwerp World Diamond Centre (AWDC), delivered a strong message of support for long term growth at the ZimAsset Awareness Seminar, a parliamentary hearing on the future economic development of Zimbabwe, held in Harare. Epstein was invited by Parliament to speak and he shed more light on why the world’s leading diamond trade center continues to be a committed partner for sustainable development growth of Zimbabwe’s diamond industry. Elaborating on the success of the recent diamond tenders of Marange goods in Antwerp, he demonstrated how Zimbabwe can generate tens of millions of dollars in additional revenue by tendering rough diamonds in Antwerp. In his presentation, Epstein highlighted how Antwerp has kept its promises to Zimbabwe, by acting in line with the E.U. objectives of long-term inclusive economic development after the lifting of the E.U. sanctions that prohibited trade of Marange diamonds in Antwerp. In addition, and following the actual lifting of the sanctions in September 2013, Antwerp vowed it could guarantee higher and transparent revenue for the Zimbabwean government through the marketing of Marange diamonds in this leading diamond hub. Results from the recent tenders held in Antwerp have demonstrated the immense buying power and benefits the world’s leading diamond-trading platform has to offer. Performance zoomed past expectations, as on average, the sales in Antwerp generated prices that were 30 percent above the producing companies’ expectations and an astonishing 50 percent to 60 percent higher than prices that were achieved in Zimbabwe and other diamond centers. Moreover, Epstein revealed that for the first time in four years, a transparent and appropriate return on investment for the government has been achieved. Prior to trading in Antwerp, Marange goods were sold in Zimbabwe but also in other diamond centers, at an average price of $47 per carat, resulting in an average return on investment for the Zimbabwean treasury of $7.05 per carat. By contrast, Antwerp, due to its unparalleled critical mass of buyers, achieves an average price of $80 per carat, or $12 per carat in royalties for Zimbabwe's Treasury. If all sales were to go through Antwerp, Zimbabwe would gain more than $400 million in extra revenue, resulting in an increase of $60 million of royalties per year. Naturally, the total sum of money flowing back to Treasury would be exponential of this figure. Epstein emphasized that the AWDC is ready to take its commitment another step further. “We have created a break-through by opening up the market for Marange goods and creating real added value in a fully transparent manner. We are now willing and able to help Zimbabwe to develop further, by sharing our expertise and knowledge on how the country can yield more benefits from its resources,” he told Parliament. The AWDC presented a draft memorandum of understanding to the government in order to embark on a joint long-term relationship where technical assistance, knowledge transfer and common value creation are key. The AWDC, however, cautioned that beneficiation requires the development of local skills and infrastructure as well as strong and long-term commitments. “We want to help build dreams, but we are not here to build a fantasy that is bound to fail. We are in it for the long run and that means taking a step-by-step approach,” he said. About
AWDC, short for Antwerp World Diamond Centre, is the coordinating body and the official representative of the Antwerp diamond sector, and as such is recognized internationally as the host, spokesperson and intermediary for the Belgian diamond community. Eight-four percent of all rough diamonds and 50 percent of all polished diamonds pass through Antwerp. Diamonds represent 5 percent of the total Belgian exports and 15 percent of all Belgian exports outside the E.U., making diamonds the most important export product outside the E.U. Fact Sheet
Antwerp ended 2013 on a high note, with no less than a $55 billion total value of traded diamonds, compared to $51.9 billion in 2012, coming very close to the 2011 record of $56.6 billion, so 2013 marks the second best year ever for the Antwerp diamond industry. With respect to total Belgian trade, diamonds claim fourth place in the ranking of trade goods. Moreover, in regard to the trade outside the E.U., diamonds are the most important trade products, both for import and export transactions. They represent approximately 5 percent of Belgian exports and about 15 percent of all Belgian exports outside the E.U. Each year, 28,000 Kimberley Process (KP) certificates are issued in Antwerp, or half of all the KP certificates issued worldwide. In 2012, the diamond sector has generated an added value of $930 million. Today the diamond sector accounts for a total of 6,000 direct jobs and 26,000 indirect jobs. Demonstrated by the recent KP figures, Antwerp still remains the world’s most important center for the diamond trade. Approximately 84 percent of the total world production of rough diamonds is being traded in Antwerp, as is an estimated 50 percent of all polished diamonds worldwide. Over 550 years of illustrious heritage as diamond trading and manufacturing hub is embodied in the slogan ''Cut in Antwerp,'' which is still the diamond trademark for supreme quality and exquisite craftsmanship. An unrivaled financial, technical and intellectual infrastructure allows Antwerp to act as a hub from which a multinational industrial and commercial network is coordinated, enabling the transformation of rough diamonds into the sparkling showpieces sold in jewelry shops around the globe. Antwerp is home to over 1,700 registered diamond firms, including rough diamond producers and dealers, manufacturers, polished diamond wholesalers and some 2,000 diamond and jewelry related businesses. The city also headquarters the industry's leading financial institutions, insurance companies, security, shipping and logistics providers, gem labs, etc. Its multicultural community of diamond dealers from various religious backgrounds in a politically stable and neutral setting is truly unique. At the core of Antwerp's unique trade infrastructure lies Diamond Office, the in-house customs office that streamlines the vast flow of diamonds in and out of Antwerp. Through a sophisticated system of procedures and controls, Antwerp is continuously focused on maintaining internationally recognized high levels of compliance and transparency relating to anti-money laundering, KP and corporate social responsibility. On top of the customary procedures in the diamond business, Antwerp is subject to an additional compliance layer as a result of E.U. legislation and regulations. The city is internationally recognized as the ethical benchmark and role model for the entire diamond and jewelry industry.
Rapaport News is not responsible for, and does not endorse, the content of any third-party press release. This is not a Rapaport Press Release. It has been provided as additional information for our clients.
|