IDMA includes DiaMAN as 15th member

Diamond Manufacturers Association of Namibia (DiaMAN) has been accepted as the 15th member of the Members of the International Diamond Manufacturers Association (IDMA) at the 2009 Presidents' Meeting held in Antwerp in November. This brings the total number of African countries included in the IDMA membership list to three.

IDMA president Moti Ganz said membership in IDMA was not only a clear indication of Namibia's growing power as a diamond manufacturing nation, but also solid proof that its diamond supply pipeline is tightly controlled and fully transparent. "Namibia's membership adds yet another cornerstone to our organisation, and by joining South Africa and Botswana, strengthens the African membership within IDMA," Ganz noted in welcoming the DiaMAN to IDMA. "Diamond manufacturers fulfill a crucial role in the diamond supply pipeline. Our association cannot, and will not, at any time and under any circumstances, allow rough diamonds to be manufactured by our members, or by anyone else if we can help it, unless they have been sourced and purchased in compliance with the KP certification system," he stated.

"If our industry is to grow its market share, diamond jewellery consumers need to be absolutely confident that the diamond polished by us are indeed a significant means for growth, employment and prosperity in the regions where these diamonds are sourced," the IDMA president added.

DiaMAN president Burhan Seber expressed appreciation for the honour of being included as IDMA member.