SURAT/ANTWERP (Commodity Online): Antwerp Diamond Bourse has invited a select group of jewellers and diamond buyers to the first-ever Antwerp Diamond Trade Fair from February 7-9.

This event may not see any Indian buyers from Surat because it is a by-invitation fair with over 40 leading diamond companies from Antwerp showcasing diamonds. But, Indians who have business in Europe and other parts of the world are definitely taking part in the event. The event is slated to be held on the bourse’s historical trading floor.

The event has received confirmed participation from over 120 companies across Europe. The invited buyers and guests will see the Antwerp diamond trade in its full glory during the three days of the fair. Never before has Antwerp’s diamond business community offered such a large, outstanding and varied selection of polished diamonds for sale at a single location. This will be an extraordinary and literally unique occasion.

The Antwerp Diamond Bourse indicated it will announce a contribution to the Belgian relief fund for Haiti. Antwerp is the hub of the international diamond trade and for more than 100 years has been the beating heart of the world’s diamond industry.

Meanwhile, the value of Sierra Leone’s diamond exports decreases by 20 per cent in 2009. Diamond exports were valued at $79 million for 2009, down from $99 million in 2008.
 
The report comes after news of the government enacting new taxes and restrictions on diamonds, which many traders believe to be harmful to the industry and likely to increase smuggling.

 In early January, Sierra Leone placed a 15 per cent tax on exports of diamonds worth $500,000 or more. The tax hike took effect on December 28. Similarly, a mining act passed last November raised taxes on diamonds to 6.5 percent from 5 per cent.

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