The first Israel Diamond Week opened its doors in Shanghai on July 16, ushering in a new era of cooperation between the Israeli and Chinese diamond industries.

Jointly organised by the Israel Diamond Exchange (IDE) and the Shanghai Diamond Exchange (SDE), the event is taking place at the SDE until July 18. This is the first time that Israeli diamantaires have been officially invited to exhibit their goods to SDE members.  

The Israeli delegation, led by IDE President Yoram Dvash and IDE Managing Director Eran Zini, includes 16 diamond companies. SDE President Qiang Lin and other diamond leaders are also gracing the event. 

The event includes the China-Israel Diamond Forum, a day-long seminar on the role of technology, e-commerce and branding of natural diamonds in promoting the industry. It will culminate with the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the Israeli and Chinese bourses that marks a deepening of ongoing cooperation between the parties. Participants can also visit diamond jewellery manufacturing facilities in the area as well as take part in social and networking events.

The highlight of the event is a China-Israel Diamond Sales Meet, where Israeli exhibitors present their goods to Chinese diamond buyers. 

IDE President Yoram Dvash said, “For the first time this year, we are holding an Israel Diamond Week in China. This event undoubtedly underscores the strength of the Israeli diamond brand and the amazing journey that Israel has undergone to reach the helm of the world diamond industry. The cooperative agreements that we will sign during this week will enable new contacts between Israeli and Chinese diamond companies and will strengthen mutually beneficial relations between the Israeli and Chinese diamond exchanges. They will open up new and very large markets for Israeli diamantaires.”

Dvash added, “We are confident that this event will be a great success and we expect to come back every year. We also invite our Chinese colleagues to join us at the next International Diamond Week on February 10 to 12, 2020.”