Alrosa and AWDC renew cooperation agreement

Alrosa has announced a renewal of its cooperation agreement with the Antwerp World Diamond Centre (AWDC), the official representative of the Antwerp diamond industry.

The objective of the agreement is to improve the scope and efficiency of the ties between Alrosa and AWDC, and to commit to supporting the diamond industry across a range of topics, from the open exchange of information to the promotion of joint marketing initiatives.

Additionally, it also seals mutual commitment to “protect the integrity and transparency” of the diamond value chain by supporting the work of the World Diamond Council and the Kimberley Process.

The new cooperation agreement was signed by Sergey Ivanov, CEO of Alrosa, and Ari Epstein, CEO of AWDC.

Some 84% of all rough diamonds and 50% of all polished diamonds pass through Antwerp, and Alrosa said both organisations emphasise the importance of diamond tracing on the international markets and of a joint contribution to the sustainability agenda.

Ari Epstein, AWDC CEO, said: “AWDC is committed to ensure Antwerp remains the world’s leading diamond trade center, and to defend the interests of the more than 1,600 companies it represents.

“Renewing our agreement sends a clear signal that we embrace our leading roles in the global diamond industry and that we will work together to turn whatever challenges arise into mutual opportunities, as we have done in the past.”

Sergey Ivanov, Alrosa CEO, added: “AWDC is a long-standing and reliable partner for Alrosa and I am confident that this new agreement will allow us to further our cooperation and aim our joint efforts at the sustainable development of the entire industry within the important context of the ESG transformation of the global diamond market.”

source https://www.jewelleryfocus.co.uk/202724-alrosa-and-awdc-renew-cooperation-agreement