The Israeli Diamond Industry is planning to have a significant presence at BASELWORLD 2010, with 14 Israeli diamond exporters participating in this key show taking place from March 18 – 25, 2010. In addition, many more Israeli companies will be using facilities provided by the Israel Diamond Institute Group of Companies (IDI) to be active at BASELWORLD.

In addition, IDI will once again have a prominently featured information and image booth in Hall 3.1, NO1. The Israeli diamond companies will exhibit for the most part in Hall 3, where the loose diamond category is concentrated.

As in previous years, IDI will hold its annual press lunch. Eli Avidar, IDI Managing Director, will unveil IDI’s new strategic campaign “Responsibility is Good. Business.” In addition, the event will feature guest speaker Boaz Hirsch, Chairman of the Kimberley Process during 2010, who will give in details the plans for KP 2010 and what the world diamond industry should expect from this year. The lunch will take place from 12 noon to 1:30 pm on Friday, March 19, 2010 at the Basel Convention Center, in the Osaka – Samarkand Congress Room.

Boaz Hirsch said that the Kimberley Process is facing several significant challenges during this year. “Israel’s goal as chair will be in creating the momentum to strengthen and consolidate the process, in order to prevent its erosion and to maintain its relevance and vitality.”

IDI sources said that the significant turnout of Israeli diamond companies at the show attests to the improvement in the economic climate as well as the importance that the Israeli Diamond Industry attributes to this show.

An online mini-site, which can be accessed through the IDI portal site at http://www.israelidiamond.co.il/MailingList/bazel09/index.html enables buyers to access the Israeli exhibitors virtually before the show.

IDI Chairman Moti Ganz said that the turbulence during 2009 served as an educational year for the world diamond industry. ”We need to make sure that we don't forget the lessons of the past year as things get better. The leadership and the players in the world diamond industry must conduct a responsible policy in order to maintain a healthy diamond industry that will expand on the basis of a firm foundation,”

IDI Managing Director Eli Avidar explained that IDI’s new strategic campaign “Responsibility is Good. Business” signifies that the Israeli Diamond Industry will act responsibly as it emerges from the economic crisis. “We believe that it is essential now to adopt a policy of responsibility – in prices, marketing, manufacturing, customer services and credit strategies. Our message is that the Israeli Diamond Industry is emerging from the crisis relatively unharmed, and will now be pursuing a very responsible path to renewed growth.” He added: “This means that if you want to build your business in a responsible way, we are your partners for doing business in diamonds.”