PDE delegation of Latin American buyers head to IDWI

A top-level delegation of Latin American buyers from the Panama Diamond Exchange are attending the Israel for the International Diamond Week, citing the importance of the event for the trade in Latin America. The IDWI is slated at the Israel Diamond Exchange in Ramat Gan from February 14 to 18.

The PDE delegation's visit to Israel is part of an extensive outreach program, which has included being part of other key international diamond trading centers, and roadshows to jewellery markets in Latin America, including Peru, Colombia, Chile, Ecuador, Brazil, the Dominican Republic and Mexico.

The delegation to Israel will be led by PDE President Mahesh Khemlani, who formerly served as the Republic of Panama's Deputy Minister of Finance, and Ali Pastorini, PDE's Senior Vice President.

"We consider this a key event on the industry calendar, and one that can greatly contribute to the growth of the diamond and jewelry trades in Latin America," said Mr. Khemlani. "PDE's mission is to function at the primary source of diamond supply in our region, and in that respect the International Diamond Week serves us perfectly. Its ability to concentrate a critical mass of both traders and merchandise provides our members with volume and variety that is virtually unmatched."

Ms. Pastorini also praised this initiative by the Israel Diamond Exchange, noting that, in a changing commercial environment, its development of projects like the International Diamond Week ensure that the diamond bourse remains the driving force in the business. "For a young diamond exchange like PDE, the Israel Diamond Exchange serves both as role model and mentor," she said. "We are proud to be returning to Tel Aviv, now as an established sister bourse, and to be part of this buyer-focused event."