Inaugural Dubai Diamond Conference 2013 launches

Dubai, March 19, 2013 (WAM) - The Dubai Diamond Exchange ('DDE'), a Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (' DMCC ') initiative, announced a successful first day of its two-day inaugural Dubai Diamond Conference 2013 ('DDC 2013'). Hosted in Almas Tower in Dubai's Jumeirah Lakes Towers, DDC 2013 welcomed hundreds of participants including governmental delegations from South Africa, Zimbabwe, Botswana and Namibia. Also present were a range of diamond industry participants, representing companies and entities from all sections of the diamond supply pipeline. The conference was launched by Assistant Foreign Minister for International Organisations, Dr Saeed Mohammed Al Shamsi. In opening remarks, Al Shamsi hailed the leadership's vision for transforming Dubai which is at the crossroads of three continents into an important global hub for the diamond industry. The conference represents an ideal platform for bolstering partnerships, cooperation, exchange of expertise and exploring opportunities for cooperation through joint projects. He commended DMCC for organising the conference to strengthen the stature of Dubai as gateway between diamond producers in African and consumers worldwide. Highlighting the UAE's economic potentials, Al Shamsi cited diversification, favourable environment for investments and integration with the global economy, which all empower the UAE and Dubai to host Expo2020. The UAE, he noted, is strengthening its strategic partnerships with the world's economic blocs on the way towards achieving Dubai Strategic Plan 2015 and the UAE Vision 2021. In his keynote address to conference delegates, Ahmed bin Sulayem, Executive Chairman, DMCC, made history by nominating Peter Meeus, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the DDE, as the first non-Western President of the World Diamond Council ('WDC'). Other notable speakers at the first day of the DDC 2013 included Ministers of Mines, Hon. Susan Shabangu of South Africa, Hon. Dr Obert Moses Mpofu of Zimbabwe; Hon Kitso Mokaila of Botswana; Eli Izhakoff, President of the World Diamond Council; and Vipul Shah, Chairman of the Gem '&' Jewellery Export Promotion Council. The Dubai Diamond Exchange (DDE) was established in 2005 to provide local, regional and international diamond and precious stones companies a platform from which to trade, network and grow their businesses. Located in the iconic Almas Tower, at the crossroads of producing and consuming countries, the DDE is at the heart of the diamond trade, and provides bespoke services to over 500 regional and international diamond companies. – Emirates News Agency, WAM