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 Mumbai, October 17, 2012 – The 35th World Diamond Congress concluded here in Mumbai today, with the International Diamond Manufacturers Association (IDMA) electing a new board for the upcoming two years . The IDMA members resolved to support the KP’s efforts to arrive at a new definition for conflict diamonds. Following the announcement of the Diamond Source Warranty Protocol, the IDMA members voiced their grave concerns as to its effect on the flow of goods throughout the legitimate diamond supply pipeline.
At its concluding meeting, the IDMA members elected Maxim Shkadov of Russia as its new president. Incumbent Secretary General Ronnie VanderLinden and incumbent Treasurer Stephane Fischler were both re-elected for another term in office. Three incumbent Vice Presidents, Vasant Mehta of India; Ronny Friedman, USA; and Eduard Denckens of Belgium were also re-elected. In addition, David de Toledo of Israel and Edward Asscher of the Netherlands were elected to serve as Vice Presidents.
Secretary General VanderLinden said the outcome of the elections demonstrated the need for greater and wider involvement of IDMA members in leading the diamond manufacturing industry through an ever more complex maze of challenges it is engaging. “I look forward to working closely with Maxim and the vice presidents in the coming two years. We all will be working hard to assure the global diamond industry’s interests will best served,” he stated.
The IDMA board expressed its appreciation to the KP Chair, US Ambassador Milovanovic, for recognizing and emphasizing that the discussions and ensuing agreement on a new definition for conflict diamonds can only be reached through all-industry inclusive dialogue. The board said it looked forward to take part in the upcoming discussions.
Following the announcement of the Diamond Source Warranty Protocol, by Jewelers of America (JA), the Jewelers Vigilance Council (JVC) and the Diamond Manufacturers & Importers Association of America (DMIA), the IDMA members voiced their grave concerns as to its effect on the flow of goods throughout the legitimate diamond supply pipeline.
New IDMA President Maxim Shkadov and outgoing president Moti Ganz expressed their profound gratitude to the two organizations that hosted the congress, thanking Vasant Mehta, IDMA vice president and former chairman of the Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) and Anoop Mehta, WFDB Executive Committee member and president of the Bharat Diamond Bourse, as well as their teams for their efforts. “The congress was organized flawlessly and its unique format, through the integration of a highly informative and value-adding mini conference, proved to be an absolute winner,” Shkadov said. ‘We have heard nothing but expressions of satisfaction and praise from the congress’ delegates for the time have they have spent here, at the congress in Mumbai.”
Maxim Shkadov also thanked outgoing president Moti Ganz for his two terms in office. “Your passion and penchant to speak your mind have been instrumental in defending the joint interests of our members and in getting IDMA’s points of views across to its various discussion partners,” Shkadov said. “While you are stepping down as IDMA president, we know you will continue to step up to the plate to serve the industry, both in your own country as well as in the international realm,” he added.
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