The World Jewelry Hub (WJH)  in Panama City is the venue for the second Latin American Diamond and Jewelry Week which opened yesterday, June 21, 2016. Present at the inaugural event  were  government and industry leaders, as well as buyers and suppliers of jewellery, diamonds and coloured gemstones from more than 20 countries in Latin America and around the world, the organisers said. 
The Guest of Honour  for the opening ceremony, Nestor Gonzalez, Panama's Vice Minister of Commerce lauded the WJH and the role it was playing, and invited  visitors to  enjoy the attractions of Panama during their stay in the country.

Mahesh Khemlani, President of the World Jewelry & Diamond Hub, Panama --  the diamond and gemstone bourse that anchors the World Jewelry Hub -- outlined the programme for the three-day event and stressing its importance. He   said: "We hope that these unique events will consolidate the World Jewelry Hub as the destination of choice for all things related to diamonds, jewellery, precious stones and watches in the entire region."

Visitors at the  Second Latin American Diamond and Jewelry Week  have the opportunity  to both,  conduct business on the trading floor and in the offices of the WJH, as well as participate in  seminars. A premiere diamond and jewellery auction has also been planned. 
 
The first seminar  held today, comprised an expert panel which focused  on the “economic  realities” confronting the industry of  the region. The keynote address was   delivered by Jordi Pratt, the Principal Regional Economist for Central America, Panama, Dominican Republic and Mexico at the Inter-American Development Bank in Washington, D.C.
 
The Latin American Jewelry and Watches auction, scheduled for this afternoon  featured  an array of some of the most valuable jewellery and timepieces ever to be placed on public sale in the region.  
 
Tomorrow,  Thursday, June 23, the last  day of the buyers' week, will feature the second seminar with  Maria Luisa Navarro, Panama's Vice Minister for Multinational Affairs and Cooperation being the Guest of Honour being. More than  50 women from  13 countries – including Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Guatemala, Italy, Russia, Turkey, the United States, Venezuela and Panama  -- are scheduled to participate in the discussion on the empowerment of women in the Latin American jewellery and gemstone sectors.
 
Pic Cap:
Ali Pastorini (third from right), WJH Senior Vice President, and Judy Meana (third from left), WJDH Vice President, flanked by ladies in traditional Panamanian dress, welcoming guests to the Second Latin American Diamond and Jewelry Week at the World Jewelry Hub yesterday