A delegation comprising two senior leaders of the Panama Diamond Exchange (PDE) will travel to the Near and Middle East in May as part of the bourse's international outreach programme, which is aimed at strenthening its ties with the industry in key centres, according to a statement from the organisation.

Ali Pastorini, PDE's Senior Vice President, will first visit Turkey on May 11 and 12, and later be joined by Mahesh Khemlani, President, PDE for the Dubai leg of the programme between May 14 and 19, the PDE said.

In Turkey, Pastorini, who is being hosted by the Istanbul Chamber of Jewelry (IKO), will meet with Turkish industry leaders and representatives of the local industry.

While in Dubai, the two officials are scheduled to meet with companies headquartered in the Dubai Multi Commodities Center (DMCC) that are interested in expanding their involvement in the Latin American markets. They also will attend the World Diamond Congress, which will take place in the city from May 16 to 19.

Drawing attention to the definite parallels between the trading centers in Dubai, Istanbul and Panama City, all of which are springboards into regional markets with massive growth potential, Khemlani said, "There are synergies that we plan on promoting during our meetings, linking suppliers and buyers interested in developing commercial relationships with both large companies as well as with individual traders in Latin America."

"This is not simply an exploratory mission," Pastorini added. "We have been developing our business connections with the Turkish and Dubai centers for many months already, and have a received great deal of positive feedback. Both Turkish Airlines and Emirates are now launching regular air services to Panama, facilitating the easy movement of people, goods and services between our countries."

Pic caption: Mahesh Khemlani (left), President PDE, and Ali Pastorini, PDE's Senior Vice President