Trade missions are a well-known tool for promoting international commerce. When they are led by government leaders or leading members of a country's royal family, their impact is all the stronger.

As a major player in the Belgian economy, the diamond industry is an important participant in trade missions and royal visits across the globe.

Members of the Antwerp diamond sector participated in a state visit to India by King Albert II in November 2008. The AWDC hosted in Mumbai "a diamond luncheon," in the presence of King Albert II. For the Belgian diamond trade, the visit to India was a perfect fit since Antwerp has been the single largest supplier of rough diamonds to the Indian industry for more than four decades.

Other trade missions have traveled to the Far East and the Persian Gulf. Frequently they have been led by HRH Prince Philippe, accompanied by HRH Princess Mathilde. In Singapore recently, Prince Philippe delivered an address at a specially organised dinner, following an introductory address from AWDC CEO Freddy J. Hanard.

The aim was to shine the spotlight on the Belgian diamond business as a supplier of high-quality diamonds and diamond jewellery.