The Israeli Diamond Industry (IDI) is preparing a strong participation at the forthcoming JCK Las Vegas show, given that the U.S. has been a major market for Israel, accounting for around one-half of Israel’s total polished exports. With the recent recovery in global economies, the first quarter of 2010 saw Israel’s polished diamond exports increasing 55 percent over the same period last year, while polished diamond imports into the U.S. rose by 73 percent over the first quarter of 2009. IDI Chairman Moti Ganz said, “We are pleased to see signs of recovery in the U.S., with diamond demand growing. Since the U.S. is our leading market, we are convinced that this will have an important positive impact on the Israeli Diamond Industry.” %% The Israel Diamond Pavilion, hosted by the Israel Diamond Institute Group of Companies (IDI) will feature 25 exhibitors, with an additional 25 Israeli companies exhibiting throughout the show. IDI Managing Director Eli Avidar said, “JCK – Las Vegas is one of the most important highlights on the yearly calendar of the Israeli Diamond Industry. This is our major market and a great deal of our marketing efforts goes toward developing the Israeli industry’s ties here. That’s why we have set up IDI – New York, located in the Diamond District, which is geared to facilitating connections between the Israeli Diamond Industry and U.S. buyers.” %% The IDI has been developing various marketing platforms to strengthen the diamond trade as a global effort, with its ‘Together Works’ programme launched in 2009 and the more recent ‘Responsibility is good business’ programme which advocates responsible business practices in manufacturing, marketing, customer service and credit. %% %% At the JCK Las vegas Show, the IDI will sponsor a cocktail event for existing and new clients of the Israeli Diamond Industry. It has also created a mini-site with full list of Israeli exhibitors, which is accessible at http://www.israelidiamond.co.il/exhibition/index.aspx?id=14