ICA Congress 2011 to discuss Ethical Mining and Fair Trade

Discussion at the ICA Congress 2011 will focus on “ETHICAL MINING & FAIR TRADE: Certification challenges from Mine to Market”, the title decided for the Congress. The International Colored Gemstone Association (ICA) event will be held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil between April 30 to May 4, 2011, and will be hosted by IBGM-Brazilian Gems & Jewellery Trade Association.

Both IBGM and ICA are in the process of drafting an agenda and list of speakers for this biennial industry event. Also planned are a mini-trade show and an ICA mine tour. IBGM President Hecliton Henriques said, “We anticipate strong attendance from IBGM affiliates and delegates in Brazil as well as from the international community”.

This 14th edition of the Congress will be the second occasion when Brazil hosts an ICA Congress. “Brazil is an important source of gemstones and a jewellery design center and has become an important player in the worldwide gem and jewellery industry,” stated ICA President Wilson Yuen. The ICA Congress Committee is chaired by Clement Sabbagh, and includes members from IBGM, ICA along with a Brazilian event organizer and a public relations company.