INVITATION: exclusive networking program in the framework of Belgian (Princely) Mission to South Africa

In the framework of the Princely Mission to South Africa and the yearlong, mutually beneficial relationships between South Africa, cradle of the modern diamond industry,
and Antwerp, the world's foremost diamond trading centre,
we have the pleasure to invite you to participate in the

Belgian (Princely) Economic Mission to South Africa
20 - 27 of October 2013

In the presence of

• Mr. Didier Reynders, Federal Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade and European Affairs
• Mr. Kris Peeters, Minister-President and Minister for Economy, Foreign Policy, Agriculture and Rural Policy, Government of Flanders

In the first stage of this Economic Mission, the program entails high-level meetings between South African and Belgian high officials, networking opportunities and workshops, connecting Belgian companies from a wide array of industries with their South African counterparts. Considering how Antwerp and South Africa share long and mutually beneficial relationships as the founding centres of the modern diamond industry, not in the least in the development of the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS), this Mission is the perfect opportunity to strengthen the ties between the two diamond strongholds.

Therefore, during this Mission, on October 23rd, AWDC will organise a KP dedicated Seminar, officially inaugurated by and in the presence of HE Minister of Mines Susan Shabangu and HE Minister of Foreign Affairs Didier Reynders, including a round table that will focus on the instrumental roles of both South-Africa and Antwerp in the KPCS. Ten years on since its start, it is clear that both centres are prepared to continue their leadership roles and take up their duties in maintaining and reinforcing the KP. In conclusion of this event, AWDC organises an exclusive networking cocktail that will enable participants to network with local diamond companies and government officials.

Please note that invitations are on a first-come, first-served basis and limited to 15 registered Antwerp diamond companies. After registration, AWDC will facilitate the group participation via co-organizer Flanders Investment and Trade (FIT). All travel costs such as flights and hotels are to be paid by the participants themselves, we will however provide more detailed information on flights, visa requirements and accommodation after registration.

If you are interested to participate, please send an e-mail clearly stating the name(s) of company representative(s), your company name to marcom@awdc.eu, before July 17th.

We inform you that if you have registered but are unable to join us and omit to notify us in advance, you will be charged a cancellation fee of € 1000 per person.