(IDEX Online) - Alrosa Chief Executive Officer Sergey Ivanov paid an official visit to the Israel Diamond Exchange (IDE), where he was hosted by IDE President Yoram Dvash and IDE Managing Director Eran Zini.
Providing an overview of the Israeli Diamond Industry, IDE President Dvash called on Alrosa to expand its rough diamond supply to Israel. Dvash explained that the Israeli industry focuses on large, high quality diamonds, with a cadre of expert craftsmen specializing in polishing large stones. "We don't have mines or a large retail market in Israel, but we have history, knowledge and capital. What we don't have is enough rough," he said.
During his visit, Ivanov was shown several of IDE's new initiatives - the Alibaba partnership, the Technological Innovation Center, the International Tender Center and the newly launched Auction Center - and met with IDE Board of Directors members Hezi Blum, Ezra Boaron, Zvi Zamir, Nissim Zuaretz, Meir Dalumi and Israel Diamond Manufacturers Association President Jacob Korn.
Alrosa CEO Ivanov emphasized IDE's importance to the company. He stated that more than 100 Israeli companies compete in each of the multiple tenders of large rough stones that Alrosa holds in Israel every year. As to expanding rough supply to Ramat Gan, Ivanov said, "Israel is a major partner in our diamond business. We are ready to discuss new opportunities."