The World Federation of Diamond Bourses (WFDB) held its committee meetings on Monday ahead of the official opening of the 37th World Diamond Congress on Tuesday. The Congress, being held from May 16 to 19 in Dubai, is a biennial meeting held together with the International Diamond Manufacturers Association (IDMA). The first day is traditionally taken up with meetings of the WFDB's major committees: the Judicial, Trade and Business, Promotion, and the Executive Committee.

"These are critical meetings for the WFDB which deal with the many issues that crop up between our regular gatherings as well as ongoing topics which were discussed at great length by our Presidents," said WFDB President Ernie Blom. "It is vital that we hear perspectives which come from different areas of the diamond world and which are informed by the deep experience of our delegates. The meetings were extremely well attended and there was a great deal of interest from industry stakeholders, as well as our bourse presidents, with many questions raised.

"The Trade and Business Committee met for the first time and discussed the issues of profitability, synthetics, banking and finance," Blom explained. "And the Promotion Committee heard about the WFDB's new Communications Strategy and its work in promoting our organisation via Social Media as well as receiving a report on the work of the World Diamond Mark," Blom added.

The opening session of the Congress, being hosted by the Dubai Diamond Exchange at the Almas Tower, will take place on May 17th, with speeches from WFDB President Ernie Blom, IDMA Secretary-General Ronnie Vanderlinden, Dubai Diamond Exchange Chairman Peter Meeus, and Executive Chairman of the Dubai Multi Commodities Centre and Chair of the Kimberley Process, Ahmed Bin Sulayem. Dr. Gaetano Cavalieri, the President of CIBJO, the World Jewellery Confederation, will also be attending the Congress and its meetings.

Rami Baron, President of the Australian Diamond Dealers Club and Chairman of the Promotion Committee

WFDB President Ernie Blom, with Honorary President and Chairman of the Trade and Business Committee Shmuel Schnitzer

WFDB Treasurer-General Dieter Hahn and, behind him, Marcel Pruwer of the Antwerp Diamond Bourse