Finance sessions are set to provide critical information for the diamond industry on the issue of liquidity and other financing matters at the 37th World Diamond Congress, the biennial meeting of the World Federation of Diamond Bourses (WFDB) and the International Diamond Manufacturers Association (IDMA) taking place in Dubai from May 16 to 19, according to a press release from the WFDB.
ABN AMRO Bank’s Head of Diamond and Jewelry Clients Erik Jens will address the congress on ‘key opportunities in financing the diamond and jewelry industry’, while De Beers’ Head of Commercial Development Howard Davies will speak on ‘global financing options and requirements for the diamond industry’.
There will also be a Dubai Diamond Finance Seminar which aims to raise awareness of diamond financing options and how Dubai’s trade infrastructure and financial institutions can further support the diamond trade.
“For too long, industry members and the banks have not been on the same wavelength. We aim to correct this for the good of both parties. This also fits in with the overall themes of the Congress Transparency, Responsibility and Sustainability. We are moving ahead with a new era of way of working in all aspects and this will be clearly seen at the Congress,” explains WFDB President Ernie Blom.
