An increasing interest by industry leaders to participate in the forthcoming launch of the Panama Gem & Jewelry Center, on March 17 and 18 is being seen. Among the latest to confirm their attendance are Jeffrey H. Fischer, a member of the Board of Governors of the Gemological Institute of America, Alex Popov, President of the Moscow Diamond Bourse, and Mehul Shah, President of the Indian Diamond and Colorstone Association (IDCA).

A leading American diamond manufacturer, Jeffrey H. Fischer is honorary life president of the International Diamond Manufacturers Association (IDMA) and the Diamond Manufacturers and Importers Association of America (DMIA), a former board member of the Jewelers' Vigilance Committee in the United States and has also served Governor of the Gemological Institute of America and as on the advisory board of the Diamond Development Initiative. Alex Popov, President of the Moscow Diamond Bourse, is active in luxury distribution and retail in Russia and former Soviet Union countries. He was instrumental in establishing the first Russian private diamond and jewellery exchange and its acceptance as a World Federation of Diamond Bourses (WFDB) member. He also is Chairman of the World Diamond Mark. Head of an important diamond manufacturing and trading company, Mehul Shah also serves as President for the Indian Diamond & Colorstone Association (IDCA).

The Panama Gem & Jewelry Center is anchored by the Panama Diamond Exchange (PDE), the first and only diamond bourse in all of Latin America. The event will see a gathering of industry leaders, members of the diamond, gemstone and jewelry industries from Latin America and around the world being introduced to the $200 million project. A dedicated website has been established for the launch.