AWDC and Alrosa reinforce ties in new Cooperation Agreement

In the margins of their annual client meeting in Antwerp ALROSA signed a Cooperation Agreement with the Antwerp World Diamond Centre that aims to further strengthen the unique relationships between the world's largest diamond producer and the world's leading diamond trading hub. The agreement was signed by ALROSA’s President, Fyodor Andreev and AWDC’s President Stéphane Fischler, in the presence of the Governor of the Province of Antwerp, Cathy Berx and Alderman for Diamond of the city of Antwerp, Ludo Van Campenhout.

The document formalizes the cooperation between AWDC and ALROSA over the next three years and includes the intention for both parties to contribute to the development of a competitive rough and polished diamond market in Russia and the promotion of Russian diamond production on the Belgian market. In addition, both parties commit to exchange information, such as market intelligence, and inform each other on industry events  such as seminars and conferences, the development of new technologies or market opportunities. The cooperation also provides an opportunity to set up diamond grading and sorting courses for Russian students at HRD Antwerp. Furthermore, the Agreement stipulates that ALROSA and the Antwerp diamond sector will work more closely and exchange expertise and information regarding the implementation of the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme.

In terms of import, Russia remains one of the most important suppliers of rough diamonds for Antwerp; in 2012 Antwerp imported no less than 17 million carats, constituting nearly 20% of all Antwerp rough imports, equaling a value of nearly 2.5 billion US$. In the first half of 2013, Antwerp accounted for an impressive 65% of all Russian rough exports, both in terms of volume and value, totaling 11.9 million carats or 1.49 billion US$.

This year, ALROSA organized its annual client meeting in Antwerp, where most of ALROSA’s customers under long-term agreements are based.