The World Federation of Diamond Bourses (WFDB)  held its annual Asian Summit-Executive Committee meeting recently in Hong Kong.  At the meeting, delegates held  discussions on a range of issues of importance to the global industry.

Hosted by the Hong Kong Diamond Bourse (Diamond Federation of Hong Kong), the meeting took place a day before the opening of the Hong Kong International Diamond, Gem and Pearl Show which is followed by the Hong Kong International Jewellery Show.

"The Asian Summit is critical in giving our Presidents across the region the ability to meet relatively easily and provide their input during our talks on the subjects that are at the top of the industry's agenda," said WFDB President Ernie Blom. "As far as Asia is concerned, we had representatives attending from the diamond exchanges in Japan, Bangkok, China, India, Dubai, Hong Kong and South Korea. In addition, I was able to welcome Executive Committee Presidents from a range of countries. I would like to thank them all for taking the time to attend, and also express our gratitude to the Hong Kong Diamond Bourse for hosting us. With the international diamond and jewellery shows about to start, this was not the easiest time to arrange the Asian Summit, but it was done with great style.”

Blom added: "We had important discussions related to, among other subjects, the World Diamond Council's System of Warranties, the Know Your Customer initiative and Blockchain. The Executive Committee gave its backing to the WFDB's Young Diamantaires project, which is run by Promotion Committee Chair Rami Baron, which aims to share positive stories about diamonds via social media.”

Blom announced that the next Executive Committee will take place in Tel Aviv in June, while the biennial Presidents Meeting of the WFDB and International Diamond Manufacturers Association will be hosted by the Dubai Diamond Exchange in September ahead of the Dubai Diamond Conference.

Pic Cap: WFDB President Ernie Blom (seated 4rd frm rt) and members of the Executive Committee and Presidents from Asia; also seen is Bharat Diamond Bourse Vice President Mehul Shah (seated 2nd frm lft)