Angolan Diamond Centenary Conference 2013 to gather leaders of industry

Endiama, the national diamond company of the Republic of Angola announced that the 2-day Angolan Diamond Centenary Conference 2013 in Luanda, will see prominent speakers attending in addition to leaders of the diamond industry and several Ministers of Mines from leading African diamond-producing countries.

The conference is slated between 20-21 June 2013, with a change in venue from the original Talatona Convention Hotel to the Epic Sana Hotel in Luanda city centre. The two days will see participation of important delegations from Antwerp, Dubai and Mumbai and the engagement of the Antwerp World Diamond Centre (AWDC), the Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC) and the Gem and Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) as key note speakers at the conference.

Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Executive Chairman of the DMCC, said: "Endiama’s rough diamonds are of the finest purity and quality and we are actively pursuing traders to collaborate with the Angolan government to the benefit of both our nations. We stand ready for another 100 years of engagement with Endiama as a true example of forward looking mining investments." Mr. Stephane Fischler, President of the AWDC added: “As the historical trading center for diamonds, Antwerp is looking forward to share its experience and knowledge with the Angolan government to ensure together a responsible, profitable and sustainable diamond industry to the benefit of both partners and our global stakeholders.” The Chairman of the GJEPC, Mr. Vipul Shah, also stated: “We are particularly enthusiastic about Endiama reaching out to several trade centres for active participation in this conference. The GJEPC is planning to bring about 20 rough trading companies with them to attend the Angolan Diamond Centenary Conference 2013.”

Keynote speakers to attend include Hon. Susan Shabangu; Minister of Mineral Resources of the Republic of South Africa; Hon. Dr. Obert Moses Mpofu, Minister of Mines and Mining Development, Republic of Zimbabwe; and Hon. Martin Kabwelulu Labilo, Minister of Mining of the Democratic Republic of Congo will provide attendees with insights from their respective roles covering topics ranging from mining to polishing. The participation of a broad forum of speakers has been confirmed including Mr. Eli Izhakoff, President of the World Diamond Council, Mr. Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Executive Chairman of the Dubai Multi Commodities Centre Authority, Mr. Vipul Shah, Chairman of The Gem and Jewellery Export Promotion Council, Mr. Stephane Fischler, President of the Antwerp World Diamond Centre, Mr. Abbey Chikane, First Chair of the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme, Mr. Peter Meeus, Chairman of the Dubai Diamond Exchange, Mr. Lin Qiang, President of the Shanghai Diamond Exchange, Mr. Reuven Kaufman, President of the Diamond Dealers Club of New York, Mr. Ari Epstein, CEO of the Antwerp World Diamond Centre and Mr. Mark Van Bockstael, Chair of the Working Group of Diamond Experts of the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme.

Registration is extended till the 15th of June, 2013.