Diamond industry flocks into Tel Aviv

The World Diamond Congress is set to open in Tel Aviv on June 26, 2006 at the Hilton, Sheraton and Carlton Hotels in Tel Aviv. This is four years after the previous congress, scheduled to take place in Israel and was transferred to London due to the break out of the intifada. More than 1,000 participants from 30 countries, together with government ministers, representatives of leading diamond producers and bankers from around the world, are expected to attend the event. The guests in the conference will include president of the Russian diamond company Alrosa, Alexander Nichiporuk, Aber diamond mining company CEO Robert Gannicott and De Beers Group Managing Director Gareth Penny.

Despite the rough year the Israeli diamond industry has gone through, the conference is due to be one of the most glitzy events held in Israel in years. Millions of dollars, obtained through various sponsors, have been invested in the congress. During the congress, an auction of rare jewelry and diamonds by Tzoffey�s will be held at the Hilton Hotel, as well as �A Glowing Night� gala dinner at the Tel Aviv Port, sponsored by the De Beers Group, featuring speeches by Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni and De Beers Chairman Nicky Oppenheimer.

Leading Israeli musicians and singers will provide the entertainment. At the event the Israel Diamond Industry Awards will be presented for the first time to leading figures in the world industry. "This is an opportunity to present Israel as fun place bursting with energy and young spirit. A good place for doing business," said Yair Sahar, owner of the Sahar Atid Dimonds Ltd. Company and chairman of the congress organizing committee.