IDMA opens registrations for 2011 Presidents' Meeting

International Diamond Manufacturers Association (IDMA) has opened registrations for its 2011 Presidents' Meeting to be held in Botswana capital of Gaborone from April 4 to 7, 2011. Taking the opportunity of the event being held in a dimaond manufacturing country, the Botswana Diamond Manufacturers Association (BDMA) will host a ‘Stakeholders Roundtable’ and panel discussion, entitled "The Diamond Beneficiation Pitso." (Pitso is the Botswana word for an informal village, or townhall, meeting), to highlight Botswana's important role in the global diamond business.

"This gathering of the international diamond manufacturing business community event will be a first for Botswana," said BDMA president Mervin Lipschitz, "It will be a wonderful opportunity to showcase not only our thriving industry to the diamond world, but also the warm and receptive country within which we operate."

IDMA President Moti Ganz noted that it was important to hold IDMA meetings in diamond producing countries. "We're honored to be hosted by the Botswana government and BDMA. Botswana is a prime example of how the diamond mining industry has contributed positively to the development of the economy and social structure of a previously disadvantaged country," Ganz stated.

On April 5, a Gala Dinner will be held in Gaborone in the presence of the Guest of Honor, His Excellency President Ian Khama. Participants will also visit the rough diamond sorting facilities and offices of the Diamond Trading Company of Botswana, as well as a tour of the famous Jwaneng mine, led by the mine's top managers and engineers.