Moti Ganz is Chairman of the Israel Diamond Institute (IDI) since July 2006, and President of the Israel Diamond Manufacturers Association (IsDMA) since February 2004. %% Motiganz Diamond Group is one of the leading diamond exporters in Israel today and is the owner of the Elara brand diamond cut. Headquartered in Ramat Gan, the Group has offices in the US, Hong Kong and Japan, as well as diamond manufacturing plants in Israel, China and Botswana. The Group also owns an international chain of jewellery stores.

In an interview at Jerusalem, Moti Ganz expressed himself emphatically for more transparency in the diamond trade for ensuring consumer confidence. %% Question: The World Diamond Council meeting is focusing on the issue of Conflict Diamonds and ethics has become one of the most important issues facing the industry today. Are you satisfied with industry efforts in this area?$$ Answer: I believe that ethics is a very important issue for the diamond industry as well as for other precious industries. Our industry must not be tainted in any way by unethical or illegal activities, for both moral and commercial reasons. Israel was one of the founders of the Kimberley Process and has been one of its main supporters. The very first Kimberley Certificate was issued by Israel. I am very happy that the Kimberley Process has been successful; in a relatively short period of time it has almost eradicated the trade in Conflict Diamonds. But the industry must continue to improve upon these efforts, and that is one of the main goals of the WDC’s fifth annual meeting held in Jerusalem. %% Question: What are the major opportunities for the Israeli Diamond Industry?$$ Answer: Certainly there are opportunities for growth into new markets. The Far- East, with China leading the way is a major target for the Israeli industry. We see China as a huge opportunity which in the future will be a leading market for our goods, but it will take time. IDI is investing great efforts and resources in creating a multi-pronged marketing program specially geared to the Chinese market. This will be revealed to the media very soon.

Wonderful Relations with India :

Further down the line we are looking towards India as a major consumer market for our diamonds. The Israeli industry has had wonderful relations with the Indian diamond sector. Many Indian companies maintain manufacturing and buying operations in Israel and vice versa. With the growth of the consumer economy in India and the removal of import duty on polished diamond imports, there will be more and more opportunities to sell Israeli goods there, and we are currently investigating this market. %% Question: What about the traditional markets, such as US and Europe?$$ Answer: The US market has been and certainly will remain our leading export destination for the coming years. Today we export about 60% of our polished diamonds to the US and about half of the gem-quality diamonds sold in the US are Israeli diamonds. We are continuing to invest great efforts in developing our business there. IDI opened a New York office in the heart of the diamond centre more than two years ago, and it has been very helpful in assisting Israeli companies make contacts in the United States. %% The European markets are very diverse and in some locations we are stronger than others. The Israeli diamond industry is very interested in expanding our trade with all of the European markets. IDI has been active in major trade shows there – in Vicenza and in BaselWorld and we are currently examining ways to enhance our efforts there. %% Question.: What is your vision for the Israeli Diamond Industry?$$ Answer.: I believe that the Israeli Diamond Industry must continue to advance and develop. Since it was founded 70 years ago it has come of age. It is now a truly international and sophisticated industry, with Israel as its centre. It is well known worldwide for its innovation and creativity as well as for its products. %% But this is not enough. Through the Israel Diamond Institute (IDI), I am working to ensure that we stay one step ahead of the many changes taking place in the international arena. This is true in the area of rough supply, manufacturing technology, finance, sophisticated marketing and focused branding campaigns. We are continually seeking new and better sources of rough, investing efforts in new technologies, working to expand financial resources and helping to open new markets to Israeli goods. I am confident we will remain a leading world centre for the trade and manufacture of diamonds, one that is continually evolving as the global business environment changes.