Global gathering of jewellery trade organisations held for first time in Middle East

Congress addresses social responsibility in jewellery trade

High-profile event showcases regional trade opportunities

Dubai, April 14, 2008: Over 200 professionals from jewellery trade organisations around the world converged today at the 2008 Congress of the World Jewellery Confederation, also known as the Confédération Internationale de la Bijouterie, Joaillerie et Orfèvrerie (CIBJO). Held for the first time in the Middle East, this three-day conference is hosted by Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC). The Congress initiated a dialogue on challenges facing the jewellery industry, trends in corporate social responsibility and best practices across the value chain of jewellery trade. 

This year's congress is themed around the United Nations Millenium Development Goals (MDG), an eight-point action plan towards sustainable humanitarian development. This also covers issues specific to enviornmental sustainability and protection of labour rights in the context of the jewellery industry.

Addressing the conference, Ahmed bin Sulayem, Executive Chairman, DMCC, said: "We are extremely pleased to host this annual gathering in cooperation with CIBJO. Dubai has established itself as a prominent international centre for precious metals and jewellery trade. The Middle East is the world's third largest consumer of diamond jewellery and Dubai registers the highest per capita gold purchase; clearly, this region is a lucrative market for the jewellery industry. We believe that through a high calibre event such as CIBJO, global industry players will benefit from the immense trade opportunities that Dubai and the wider region presents."

Gaetano Cavalieri, President, CIBJO, said: "We are extremely pleased to partner with DMCC to hold this congress in Dubai, which is located at the heart of the jewellery trade in the Middle East. This year's congress is covering pertinent industry issues to encourage harmonisation, promote international cooperation and protect consumer confidence in the jewellery industry."

Other eminent speakers at the congress included Hanifa Mezoui of United Nations' Department of Economic and Social Affairs; Cecile Molinier, Director, United Nations Development Programme; Francois Loriot, Vice President, International Association of United Nations MDG Trainers and Dr. Michael Hopkins, Managing Director, MHCi International Ltd., Professor of Corporate Responsibility and Business Performance at Middlesex University, London.

Founded in 1926, CIBJO is an international confederation of national jewellery trade organisations, with members from over 40 countries. Over the past 14 years, CIBJO Congresses have been held in a host of global jewellery centres. 

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About DMCC
DMCC was created in 2002 as a strategic initiative of the Dubai Government to establish a commodity marketplace in Dubai. Rated 'A' by Standard & Poor's, it provides the market infrastructure that brings together a wide range of commodities activities, and is committed to serve the needs of participants in the gold, diamonds and commodities markets. Resident companies of DMCC are offered highly attractive benefits under a free zone status, including a 50-year guaranteed tax holiday, 100 per cent business ownership, full ownership of business premises, and a secure regulated environment.

For further information, please contact:
Sudha Hemmad/Anusyia Nathan/Gunjan Chaurasia
ASDA'A Public Relations
Exclusive Affiliate of Edelman, Middle East & North Africa
Dubai, UAE
Tel: 971-4-3355969
Fax: 971-4-3356080
Email: s.hemmad@asdaa.com / a.nathan@asdaa.com/g.chaurasia@asdaa.com

© Press Release 2008