In a reception held in March for diamond industry leaders in lieu of the 1st International Rough Diamond Week, Israel Diamond Exchange (IDE) President Shmuel Schnitzer promised another such week in 2014. Sisa Ngombane, South African ambassador to Israel, was also present in the reception, Israelidiamond.co.il reported.
"Seeing the great success of the 1st International Rough Diamond Week, we intend to hold another rough diamond week later this year, and I am convinced it will as successful as this one", Schnitzer said. "We have witnessed the power of the global rough industry, as well as the strength of Israeli manufacturers and our buying power. I was glad to see the international buyers that came, and I was happy that Israeli manufacturers had the opportunity to see so many rough goods in our home court, without the need to travel far – to South Africa, Botswana or Belgium - to see them".
Chairman of the Rough Committee and IDE deputy president Arnon Juwal said that it was still early to summarize the week's results, but defined the event as a success: "We held six tenders during the week, with over 350 participants and 70 international companies […] I am convinced that we can turn Israel to a global center for rough diamonds, and that this will help us to develop our manufacturing locally".
South African ambassador to Israel Sisa Ngombane congratulated IDE President Shmuel Schnitzer and said: "I've visited many places around the world, but I can definitely say that the Israeli bourse has become my home, and I'm happy to be here and be welcomed as family. The diamond industries of South Africa and Israel have much in common, and the cooperation we have forged is the basis for all the activity we see here today".
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