The World Federation of Diamond Bourses has accepted the Diamond Exchange of Singapore’s offer to host the 36th World Diamond Congress in 2014.
Announcing the decision, WFDB president Avi Paz said Singapore is an important gateway to the Asian market, in particular to markets such as Malaysia and Indonesia which are the next potential growth markets for diamonds and diamond jewellery.
“During the past decades, the members of the DES have made a significant contribution to the development of new diamond markets,” he said.
“Through their sourcing and business relations with peers in other diamond bourses worldwide, they have consequently helped to increase the volume of business at other bourses as well.”
DES president Suresh Hathiramani said his bourse’s interest in hosting a WFDB congress was, among other things, to increase Singapore’s profile.
“While our exchange’s membership is small compared to that of other bourses, our role as a diamond distribution hub is important in this part of Asia.
“Our members serve those markets that are beyond the horizon of most other bourses. As such, we are the face of the diamond trade.”
He added that the majority of the DES members are holders of the WFDB Mark and that they used the WFDB Mark of Excellence proactively in their business dealings and marketing campaigns.
Meanwhile, Paz paid tribute to Hathiramani’s work on behalf of the WFDB.
“He is one of the WFDB’s most active presidents, who is always ready to make an extra effort for our organization. With his appointment as chair of the WFDB Trade & Promotion Committee (following the passing away of Freddy Hager) I am confident that he will be instrumental in advancing the WFDB and in growing its role and prestige as the diamond industry’s leading representational organization.”