IDWI begins with positivity and enthusiasm

The Sixth International Diamond Week (IDWI) unfolded with a festive opening ceremony in the trading hall of the Israel Diamond Exchange. The ceremony was attended by Tourism Minister Yariv Levin , IDE President Yoram Dvash, President of ALROSA, Andrei Zharkov, Israel Diamond Manufacturers Association President Kobi Korn, IDI Chairman Shmuel Schnitzer, DDCNY President Reuven Kaufman, CIBJO President Gaetano Cavalieri, senior members of the Israeli and foreign diamond trade. In addition, there were 220 representatives from Israel and 388 buyers from 30 countries, including the US, China, Hong Kong, India, Italy, Turkey, Belgium.

Yoram Dvash said: "We are here to do the thing we do best: buying and selling diamonds. It's in our DNA. We hope that we will go from strength to strength." Dvash also briefed upon the new developments in the Israel diamond industry referring to the improving business atmosphere following the signing of the tax agreement in December with the Tax Authority, the strong marketing initiatives carried out by the bourse, the Internet trading platform, James Allen and Get Diamonds, the factory created by the bourse for the cutting of large diamonds, the Sinova laser cutting center, and the International Tender Center.

"The state of the international markets doesn't depend on us, but we are here to provide you with the biggest, most professional and best platforms in marketing, rough, trade shows, tenders and technology.

He also thanked all the guests from abroad, heads of delegations, senior partners in the Israeli diamond sector, Kobi Korn and Shmuel Schnitzer, the Chairman of the IDWI Organizing Committee, Chaim Volner, and Miki Kattan. Yoram Dvash said, "The present is the time to create reality, and that is exactly what we are doing every day and today as well with the taking place of this Diamond Week.” Shmuel Schnitzer said: " I really hope that this Diamond Week and others like it will lead to increased activity in the trading hall and the new International Tenders Center. This year looks promising and I wish us all great success."

The IDWI is taking place from February 13-16, 2017.