Registrations for 2011 WFDB President Meeting close March 30

WFDB President Avi Paz has pinned high expectations on presidents of all 29 WFDB affiliated bourses participating at the 2011 WFDB Presidents’ Meeting, saying “As the industry's chief guardian, we'll need to reinforce our position and role with regard to recent developments in the diamond supply pipeline.” The meeting is slated between April 11-13, 2011 and registrations close on March 30.

Marking the importance of the Meeting is another event - a "WFDB African Summit," scheduled on April 13, along with the meeting, by the DDE and the Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC). It will be attended by mining ministers from leading African diamond producing countries including: Martin Kabwelulu Labilo, Minister of Mines and Mining Development, the Democratic Republic of Congo; Susan Shabangu, Minister of Mineral Resources, the Republic of South Africa; Obert Mpofu, Minister of Mines and Mining Development, the Republic of Zimbabwe; Joaquim Duarte da Costa David, Minister of Geology, Mines and Industry, Luanda, Angola; and Rui Jorge Carneiro Mangueira, Secretary of State, Foreign Affairs for Administrative Organization, the Republic of Angola. Also, Thabo Mbeki former president of South Africa, and Mathieu Yamba, Kimberley Process Chair, from the Democratic Republic of Congo, will be guests of honor at the Presidents' Meeting and will address the Gala Dinner, following the Summit, on April 13 at the Jumeirah Meydan Hotel in Dubai.

WFDB Presidents' Meeting," Peter Meeus, chairman of the Dubai Diamond Exchange (DDE), remarked, "This summit will enable all participants to receive a snapshot of the current developments in Africa's diamond producing centres."

Registrations for the event is being conducted via a special website http://www.presidentsmeeting2011.com/WFDB_Registration_form.pdf, which will also provide an updated, detailed programme. A special presentation by renowned industry analyst Chaim Even Zohar, entitled "The Post Crisis Diamond Pipeline: Outlooks and Forecasts in Supply, Demand, and the Development of Future Markets”, will be made during the opening session of the President’s Meeting.