|
Press Release: In the framework of the Belgian Princely Mission to South Africa, the Antwerp World Diamond Centre (AWDC) organized a Kimberley Process (KP) dedicated seminar and Antwerp diamond networking event in Pretoria, South Africa. Belgium and South Africa share a long and mutually beneficial relationship as the founding centers of the modern diamond industry, not in the least in the development of the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS). Ten years on since the start of KPCS, it is clear that Belgium and South Africa are prepared to continue their leadership roles and take up their duties in maintaining and reinforcing the KP. Therefore, AWDC organized a KP dedicated seminar, including a round table that focused on the instrumental roles of both South Africa and Antwerp in the KPCS. The event was organized in the framework of the Belgian Princely Mission to South Africa, in the presence of Her Royal Highness Princess Astrid of Belgium (second from the right), official representative of His Majesty the King.  Ari Epstein (pictured center), the CEO of AWDC, said, “We are very grateful Her Royal Highness, Princess Astrid, now continues on the path that was set out by HM King Albert and HM King Philippe. On various occasions, we have witnessed how the commitment of the Royal family adds tremendous value to these missions, by opening doors and creating a highly conducive atmosphere for our foreign trade relationships.” Stéphane Fischler, the president of the AWDC, said, “On the tenth anniversary of the KP and under the Chairmanship of South Africa, the Antwerp diamond industry felt it would be suitable to put the focus of this mission to South Africa on the achievements and the future of the Kimberley Process. The Kimberley Process has been instrumental in combating conflict in producing countries, and to create an environment where trade can act as agent for prosperity. Not withstanding, as the leading diamond trade center, challenges remain and the industry must continue to support the establishment of sustainable development standards on the ground.” The seminar was officially opened in the presence of Astrid and the Vice Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Didier Reynders (pictured far right). In his address, Reynders noted, “Within the industry pillar of this tripartite system, the Antwerp World Diamond Centre has always been a reference for expertise, diamond valuation and a living memory of the KP institution, chairing the group of diamond experts, sending teams to review visits, offering knowledge and expertise whenever needed.” In addition, Levy Rapoo (pictured far left), the representative of South African Minister of Mines, Susan Shabangu, Ambassador Nhlapo, the current chair of the KP, Dr. Ola Bello, the program head for Governance of Africa’s Resources Programme (GARP) and Ernest Blom (pictured second from left), the president of the World Federation of Diamond Bourses joined the debate. After the seminar, AWDC organized an exclusive networking cocktail event that enabled participants to network with local diamond companies and government officials.
AWDC, short for Antwerp World Diamond Centre, is an industry-established foundation, whose mission is to serve and support the diamond business in Antwerp, the world's most important diamond trade hub. AWDC is the coordinating body and the official representative of the Antwerp diamond sector, and as such are recognized internationally as the host, spokesperson and intermediary for the Belgian diamond community. In this capacity, AWDC liaises on behalf of the Belgian diamond sector with governments and actively promotes support for the diamond sector at home and abroad.
Eighty-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.
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.
|