The Antwerp World Diamond Centre (AWDC), hosted an intimate diamond luncheon in the presence of HRH King Albert II of Belgium, at the Oberoi Hotel in Mumbai, on November 6, 2008, as reported in a press release. The luncheon was held as part of the king’s state visit to India to develop stronger trade ties between India and Belgium. %% Since the 1960s, Antwerp has been the single largest supplier of rough diamonds to the Indian trade, accounting for over 50 percent of the rough procured for processing in India. For India, Antwerp is its fourth largest market in terms of quantum of trade, with India supplying 2.9 million carats. The market is the third largest market for India, in terms of value, at 1.4 billion US dollars. %% Similarly, for Antwerp in 2007, India contributed as its largest producer in terms of carat volume, with 33 percent of the total imports of polished diamonds, and the second largest producer in terms of value, accounting for 17% of Belgian imports. %% Freddy J. Hanard, CEO of Antwerp World Diamond Centre, addressed the intimate gathering at the luncheon, saying, “The diamond world is facing universal challenges. Diamond producers have been changing their strategy; the diamond market has evolved; the branding of diamonds is being transformed. I believe that Antwerp and Mumbai are complementary partners in this changing environment. Our countries will continue to enjoy excellent relations”. He mentioned that India is being seen as a potential growth market, making its cooperation with Antwerp very important”.