The Antwerp World Diamond Centre (AWDC) is making its debut participation at the Mine Entra exhibition in Zimbabwe. The decision comes on the heels of the European sanctions being lifted for Zimbabwean dimaonds.

"Now that the European sanctions are lifted, the way is open for intensive collaboration between Zimbabwe and the main commercial center for diamonds," said Ari Epstein, CEO of the Antwerp World Diamond Centre. He further added, “In recent months we have organized a number of tenders, auctions through which Zimbabwe has been able to sell rough diamonds at a very good price." Antwerp is important for Zimbabwe. Also, Antwerp holds potential to generate an optimal market for Zimbabwean rough diamonds, as about 1700 diamond companies operate in Antwerp, giving the opportunity of a large number of potential buyers located in Antwerp.

"The good sales prices have a positive impact on the market, the mining revenues and the increasing demand for transparency in the market," said Ari Epstein. "These higher revenues are a crucial element of the sustainable social and economic development of Zimbabwe."

Today, 84 percent of all rough diamonds and 50 percent of all polished diamonds pass through Antwerp today, underscoring its lead as a global trade center.