A delegation of members of the Panama Diamond Exchange (PDE) visited Lima, the capital city of Peru on June 22 as the first of a series of PDE initiatives that will help build networks with members of the retail jewellery trade across Latin America, particularly in the region's most important jewellery markets.

The delegation was led by Judy Meana, Vice President of the Panama Diamond Exchange, and included the following PDE members: Shlophili S.A., Art Metal Fusion Panama S.A., TDI/Tuvachi Diamonds Int., P.S.D. Diamonds & Jewelry, AA Diamondz, De Viany Jewelers, Yakubov Group Panama, Kiran Jewels, La Forgia Gioielli, A. Diamante Group, Rosy Blue, DHV, Niru South America Corp., Dianco and G.S.D.C.

The highlight of the visit was a seminar-cum-reception attended by Ambassador of Panama in Peru, Nicole Wolcovinsky; the Ambassador of Belgium in Peru, Michel Dewez; the Ambassador of Guatemala in Peru, Walter Cepeda; Panama's General Consul in Lima, Patricia Dutari De La Espriella; and the First Secretary of the Ambassador of Belgium, Liesbet Van Quathem, among others.

At the event Meana briefed the gathering about the establishment in Panama City of the World Jewelry Hub, Latin America's first dedicated diamond, coloured gemstone and jewellery trading centre. She also reviewed the development and operation of PDE, Latin America's first recognised diamond bourse.

"Our objective was to provide a comfortable setting in which our members and the Peruvian jewelers could meet, exchange business cards and set up meetings for the coming days," said Meana. "PDE was the facilitator, but once we had gotten the two sides together, the business of gemstones and jewelry took over."

PDE's next roadshow is scheduled to take place in Bogota, Colombia, from July 6 to July 8, and the World Jewelry Hub will host a gathering of Latin diamond and jewellery buyers at the Panama Diamond Exchange on July 22 and 23. A series of roadshows to other countries in the region are being planned during the following months.

Pic Caption: PDE members interact with jewellers from Lima, Peru