The Israel Diamond Institute (IDI) has slated to hold its third “International Rough Diamond Conference: Tribute to the Producers” on February 11-12, 2008 in Tel Aviv.

“The stringent adherence by Israel to the Kimberley Process Rough Certification Scheme and the soon-to-be-adopted Israeli diamond industry-specific anti-money laundering legislation are contributing to the producers’ confidence in Israel as a preferred manufacturing and trading center,” said IDI Chairman Moti Ganz.
“Rio Tinto and Alrosa have been holding tenders in Tel Aviv while Diamdel, reversing a previous decision, has now reiterated its commitment to keep an active trading office in Tel Aviv,” he said.

The audience at the conference will include ministers of the African diamond countries, sharing the podium with the world’s leading diamond producers. Mr. Ganz mentioned that the presence of Israel’s Prime Minister and the nation’s senior economic ministers will underscore the close relationship between industry and government, which has made Israel such an attractive enabling environment for the diamond industry and trade.

Eli Avidar, IDI Managing Director, said that “This conference is aimed at bringing the producers closer to the Israeli market and industry. In the best tradition of Israeli conferences, the programme will promise an exciting mix of serious business with excellent entertainment”.