The Antwerp World Diamond Centre (AWDC)  launched its new initiative – the Antwerp Diamond  Experience  -- by welcoming a delegation from  Kuwait to the city.  

The delegation spent three days  “getting acquainted with their counterparts in Antwerp, enjoying a behind-the-scenes look at the diamond capital and doing business at high-level networking events,” the AWDC said.

AWDC considers Kuwait -  which has been a major player in the gold, pearl and jewellery trade -  as  an  “up-and-coming diamond market”.

“We have long seen Kuwait as a logical and potentially significant diamond market and trade partner,” said Ari Epstein, AWDC CEO, addressing the delegation from Kuwait. “Our goal is to provide inside access to Antwerp diamond market and the opportunity to expand your business and learn more about the world’s premier diamond hub. But above all, we wish to use this initiative to get to know one another personally, to build confidence in new trade partners. Particularly in Antwerp, our business is based on trust, and I am confident we will sow the seeds that eventually blossom into long and prosperous relationships.”

Commented Faisal Ali of Zen Diamonds, a Turkish company with 57 shops around the world: “Kuwaiti people believe that diamonds should come from Belgium. They want to know it is from Belgium and that it is natural. They advertise this in their shop window. ‘Belgian diamonds’.” 

AWDC reported that Karan Chetan of Payal Jewellers  said he  was “overwhelmed” by the reception they received in Antwerp, and was excited to see the scope here as compared to Kuwait.  He said that the diamond industry in Kuwait, like everywhere else, faces stiff competition from other luxury products so popular among the youth, but that “diamonds are the dream of every bride”. He added: “Gold is the jewellery of their grandmothers. For the youth, diamonds are a must.”

In this year, AWDC has also  planned visits by  delegations from  the United States, China, Bahrain and Turkey.