The International Diamond Manufacturers Association (IDMA), the representative body of the world's diamond manufacturers, has been invited by the Botswana Diamond Manufacturing Association (BDMA), to host a meeting, namely IDMA Presidents' Meeting, in Gaborone, Botswana. The event will take place between November 10-12, 2008, announced IDMA President Moti Ganz.

The agenda of the meeting will be to discuss difficulties arising on the supply side, specific problems caused in some diamond cutting centers due to change of supply, financial challenges like the issue of credit in the trade.

"We also expect to dedicate a considerable part of our meeting to discussions on how a meaningful and effective generic advertising campaign for the diamond jewelry trade can be developed, taking into account the changes that have taken place on the rough diamond supply side," Ganz noted.

The invitation, extended by BDMA president Mervin Lipschitz on behalf of his organisation and the Botswana Diamond Trading Company, will enable IDMA, members to see developments in the world's newest and fastest growing diamond manufacturing center. Lipschitz said. "Participants will be able to see for themselves that the local cutting industry has already evolved into a modern manufacturing hub that can compete effectively and profitably with other major cutting centers in the world. In addition, we will also organise - in cooperation with Dr. Akelong Tombale, who has been appointed by President Ian Khama, to oversee the overall development of the Botswana's diamond hub,visits to the country's various diamond mining operations."

Moti Ganz remarked "Our members need to gather in locations that are directly related to diamond manufacturing, and BDMA has offered us that opportunity." He also said that mining ministers and other dignitaries from neigbouring countries would be invited to attend the meeting.