The DTC invites interested parties to briefings on the new Sightholder
Dubai, United Arab Emirates, 28th February 2007: The DTC has announced the dates for a series of presentations to non-Sightholders to be held in the major cutting centres and markets. The sessions, which will be held in Antwerp, Johannesburg, Toronto, Hong Kong and Mumbai, are designed to provide background about the DTC, the application process and criteria for the new 2008 contract period and the opportunities and responsibilities of being a DTC Sightholder.
Commenting on the road shows, Varda Shine, Managing Director of the DTC said: "We have to continue to drive consumer demand for diamond jewellery around the world. Critical to our success is the success of our Sightholders. For the 2008 contract period, we will be looking for partners that can demonstrate they are world class businesses and can perform to the highest standards of ethical business practice. In order to achieve this, two fundamental elements will be at the heart of Supplier of Choice for 2008 and beyond: world-class business excellence and partnership.
"We will be looking to partner with those businesses who demonstrate excellence in the goods they produce and in their ability to market these to their customers. Partnership and shared responsibility will be the key for achieving success for our Sightholders, our producer partners and for the DTC."
The DTC will be visiting key markets to outline its application process on the following dates and locations:
- Monday, 26th February in Antwerp, Belgium
- Thursday, 8th March in Johannesburg, South Africa
- Thursday, 22nd March in Toronto, Canada
- Tuesday, 27th March in Hong Kong
- Thursday, 29th March in Mumbai, India
-Ends-
THE DIAMOND TRADING COMPANY (DTC)
The DTC is the sales and marketing arm of the De Beers Group and is the world's largest supplier of rough diamonds, handling approximately 40% of the world's supply by value. With activities in sorting and valuing, sales and marketing, the DTC has representative offices in many countries including the UK, South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Japan, Hong Kong, Italy, Dubai and India.
Formed in 1934, the DTC was incorporated in 1986 and established as a stand alone company within the De Beers Group in July 2004. Through its sales and marketing strategy, Supplier of Choice, the company is focused on growing consumer demand for diamond jewellery and maintaining consumer confidence in the integrity of diamonds. 'A Diamond is Forever' has been at the heart of its marketing strategy since 1947.
DE BEERS
De Beers, established in 1888, is the world's leading diamond company with unrivalled expertise in the exploration, mining and marketing of diamonds. De Beers and its joint venture partners operate in 25 countries across five continents employing more than 21,000 people, 17,000 of whom are based in southern Africa. From its 15 mines across Botswana, Namibia, South Africa and Tanzania, De Beers produces and markets approximately 40 percent of the world's supply of rough diamonds. The company's robust portfolio of future mining projects includes two mines in Canada set to begin operations in 2007 and 2008. As part of its operating philosophy, De Beers is committed to Living Up to Diamonds by making a lasting contribution to the communities and people of southern Africa. The company encourages sustainable working to ensure long-term positive development for Africa and invests approximately US$4.9 billion in the continent every year. For further information about De Beers please visit www.debeersgroup.com.
Contact:
Rana Al Bechara
Buchanan ME
Mobile: +971 50 4555 853
Email: rana.albechara@buchananme.com
© Press Release 2007