Delegation from South Africa visits Antwerp diamond industry

A delegation led by H.E. Ms. Shabangu, Minister of Mineral Resources of the Republic of South Africa, recently visited Antwerp and was welcomed by AWDC’s Vice President Stephane Fischler and AWDC CEO, Ari Epstein, on May 16, 2012.

This visit further underlines the excellent relationships enjoyed between the two countries for over a century, as both can be historically situated at the cradle of the modern diamond business as we know it today.

AWDC’s CEO, Mr Ari Epstein said: “South Africa and Antwerp, though at opposite ends of the globe share much common ground. Let’s not forget that more than 60 percent of the world’s diamond production originates from the African continent. In addition, South Africa continues to be a role model for so many other African countries and stakeholders, a position Antwerp is happy to support as the world’s prime diamond trading hub. Moreover, we believe Antwerp can be a significant partner to the entire African continent in terms of a global, sustainable diamond trade, for example through the UN supported ITCCO here in Antwerp.”

As mentioned the relation between he two countries has been forging stronger over the years; Antwerp had in the past hosted former President Thabo Mbeki, during the 2004 Antwerp Diamond Conference and current President, Jacob Zuma, during a special gala event in September 2010.