In an effort to boost consolidation in the global diamond industry, Avi Paz, president of the World Federation of Diamond Bourses, has initiated to invite the leadership of all WFDB affiliated bourses in Asia - Bangkok, Hong Kong, Mumbai, Shanghai, Singapore and Tokyo, to a summit meeting in Hong Kong, on January 7, 2009.

This effort on his part is apparently an extension of his mission when be assumed his present office, "When I took office in May, I declared that one of my primary missions is to enhance our level of communication and cooperation. When the members of the WFDB act together, our ability to affect events is greatly enhanced. In addition, I emphasised that we would need to meet not only on those occasions when World Diamond Congresses and Presidents' Meetings take place, but also at other times, such as this particular meeting," Paz stated.

The agenda of the upcoming summit will include discussion on how the WFDB can serve its Asian members better and more effectively; how the organisation can assist its members to raise their profiles and vice-versa; what tools the WFDB can offer to advance the standing and competitive position of diamond bourse members in the market; and finally, what the WFDB membership can do to advance diamond sales in general.

Paz will also offer a review of the tools the WFDB has developed to advance the interests of bourse members and the diamond exchanges they belong to. A detailed discussion regarding the implementation of the WFDB Mark programme, the WFDB's Mark of Excellence, will also be placed high on the agenda.