AWDC Annual Report 2012

The year 2012 proved to be pivotal for the Antwerp diamond business, for it was at the start of the year that, instigated by Governor Cathy Berx of the Province of Antwerp, we set out our ambitious plans with the Antwerp Diamond Masterplan – Diamonds Love Antwerp 2020. For the Belgian diamond sector, this is a critical blueprint because not only does it aim to consolidate our strength in the global diamond business, but to increase it further in light of the challenges that face us. In a highly globalized world, we must constantly fight to retain our position at the apex of the diamond sector.
The Diamonds Love Antwerp 2020 strategic plan comprehensively analyses the issues facing the sector and sets out many ways in which we aim to raise our share of global trading in both rough and polished goods. And it is more than a strategical compass alone, but a series of tangible projects and initiatives, built around one vision. Upon launching our Masterplan, we vowed that the majority of those projects would be realized before the end of the year 2012. This annual report bears witness to that commitment. We believe there is, inevitably, more work to be done, and there is always room to be flexible and adapt. But the guidelines are clear and we have confidently set out on the road to strengthening our diamond industry.