AWDC and Antwerpsche Diamantkring launch Antwerp Diamond Tender Facility

The Antwerpsche Diamantkring and AWDC officially inaugurated a fully-fledged, 'triple A' diamond tender facility known as the Antwerp Diamond Tender Facility (ATF), that enables companies to tender their goods in the Antwerp diamond district. Ari Epstein, CEO of the AWDC said the ATF "is yet another tangible project that stems directly from the vision of our Antwerp Diamond Masterplan; to be and to remain the number one diamond trade hub in the world."

Inaugurated on the first floor of the AWDC building, the ATF was officially opened by Antwerp's diamond sector Alderman Ludo Van Campenhout. The tender floor includes seven viewing rooms, access and video control and is now open for rent.

Freddy Inzlicht, President of the Antwerpsche diamantkring remarked "As the world's leading rough diamond bourse, we are committed to continue Antwerp's legacy as the epicenter of the trade in rough. After the launch of the Antwerp Diamond Masterplan and the fusion of the four bourses, joining forces with AWDC to set up this new service was a logical step."

Tim Wilkes, Chief Executive of Firestone Diamonds reviewed the ATF inauguration as ‘very exciting’ that will offer mining companies a world class independent facility to sell diamonds from. He also acknowledged the efforts of ‘Firestone Diamonds and First Element’ working very hard with the ADWC and Kring to develop this facility’. Johan Erikson the CEO of First Element stated that by companies now having an independent state-of-the-art tender facility to sell diamonds in Antwerp, more diamond availability will be encouraged in the industry as also will trading in Antwerp.