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We would like to inform the Antwerp diamond community on alerts concerning pick pocketing, sack jacking and ‘theft by deception’, in the streets around the Antwerp diamond area and the Central Station. In the past two weeks, the AWDC Security Office and the Local Antwerp Police received several official complaints concerning these types of crime in this area.
These crimes often happen so fast, victims aren’t even aware the crime is taking place. We advice to be cautious, keep a low profile and avoid keeping all your valuables in the same location when walking in the areas mentioned.
If you do become victim to this type of crime, we strongly advise not to resist and never attempt to capture the assailant, as they might be armed and dangerous. We urge you to record as many details that could help identification as you possibly can. Lastly, it is crucial to officially file a complaint at the local police and immediately block your bank accounts, credit cards and cell phone.
The deadline for submitting your annual Anti-Money Laundering declaration expired on March 31st. If you haven’t submitted your declaration yet, we strongly advise you to do so as soon as possible.
Every registered Belgian diamond dealer is legally obligated to complete and submit the annual AML declaration to the FPS Economy – License Service (or hand it in at the AWDC reception desk). If you fail to do so, you could receive an administrative fine between €250 and €1.250.000.
If you need help completing the declaration or would like more information about your legal obligations with respect to AML, please do not hesitate to contact us or make an appointment with the AWDC AML & Compliance Helpdesk.
Marijke Achten
Legal & Compliance Officer AWDC
03 222 05 06 of marijke.achten@awdc.be
Trissia Stavropoulos
Senior Manager HR, Legal & Compliance AWDC
03 222 05 03 of trst@awdc.be
More than 60 runners will represent our brilliant community at the Antwerp 10 Miles running event next Sunday. If you are not participating, be sure to support our Antwerp Diamond Team!
You can find us in the Acerta Bedrijvendorp, booth number 3 (plan) AWDC starting from 12 noon.
We wish all runners good luck and hope to see you there!
More info on www.awdc.be
The fifth edition of the Antwerp ‘Fortengordel’ will take place on November 19th. This year, the quest will be diamond themed. AWDC is very happy to be a partner of this event.
The two winners of the quest will receive a diamond. They will receive their precious price during a unique visit behind the scenes of the diamond industry. For the occasion, Kessel, a village in the Province of Antwerp, will be transformed into a vibrant diamond centre. It is an excellent opportunity to learn more about the wondrous world of sparkling diamonds and its importance to the Antwerp region.
More info on www.fortengordel.be
Last week, AWDC President Stephane Fischler, joined Flemish Minister President Kris Peeters, on an official visit to Botswana. The program included a meeting with President Ian Khama and Mr. Onkokame Kitso Mokaila, Minister of minerals, energy and water.
The goal of this visit was to consolidate and reinforce the trade relationships between Belgium and Botswana. Botswana is the largest producer of rough diamonds, and Antwerp the most important trading hub worldwide.
On November 22nd 2012 we launched the new AWDC website. Starting from this week, the Dutch version of the website in online.
The AWDC website contains all kinds of information; the latest news regarding the industry, all information concerning the events we are organizing, everything you need to know about Antwerp and diamonds, the efforts of AWDC relating to CSR, guidelines on how to start up a business in Antwerp, figures, press releases … and much more.
Visit our website: www.awdc.be
On March 14, 15 and 16, the annual SID-in fair took place on at the Antwerp Expo. The diamond sector was present at the fair and gave young students more information regarding the unique character of the diamond sector, the challenges that it faces and potential job opportunites within the sector.
The annual SID-in fair took place on March 14, 15 en 16 at the Antwerp Expo. During the fair, graduates of secondary schools can find out more on higher education and job opportunities.
The diamond sector was also present at this fair. At the diamond booth, students received more information about the unique character of the diamond sector and the challenges our industry faces. They were also informed on the basic training program for diamond polishing. Following the success of the first basic course last year, the industry is commited to prolong the initiative in 2013. The course is planned to take place between September 16th and December 11th 2013.
Education is on of the headlines of the Antwerp Diamond Masterplan. Together with various partners, the diamond community expressed its commitment to create more jobs by 2020, both in the diamond sector and related industries. This commitment led to the organisation of a basic training program for diamond polishing, resulting in eleven new polishers, currently employed in the Antwerp diamond industry.
Due to the fact there still is a high demand for new, skilled diamond polishers cutters, the training program will be continued in 2013. In addition, the industry and partners intend to organise extend training for experienced polishers. Both courses will help to ensure a sustainable influx of new and apt diamond polishers. The continued basic training course drew a lot of attention at the SID-in fair, with several students applying on the spot. In addition, a new, dedicated online job platform will provide interested candidates with more information regarding jobs and vacancies in the diamond sector. The site aims to more efficiently connect diamond companies and potential employees with each other. The platform will be integrated in the AWDC website and is estimated to be operational in May of this year.
This year, the city of Antwerp proudly bears the title of European Capital of Sports. In the framework of this project, AWDC, representing the Antwerp diamond community, has committed to a strategic partnership with Sporting A, set up to promote sports as a means of community integration through various initiatives, from professional sport competitions to local sports events in and around Antwerp.
In 2013, the city of Antwerp proudly bears the title of European Capital of Sports, an initiative of ACES, an organization that works closely with the European Commission. In the framework of this project, AWDC, representing the Antwerp diamond community, has committed to a strategic partnership with Sporting A, set up to promote sports as a means of community integration through various initiatives, from professional sport competitions to local sports events in and around Antwerp.
Sporting A is designed to be the sports club for everybody with a heart for sports, be it a professional basketball player, an enthusiast supporter or the neighborhood soccer league, across cultural, social or ethnic differences.
As representative of one of the communities that defines Antwerp as a vibrant, multicultural city, AWDC is convinced this strategic sponsorship will actively contribute to further anchoring diamonds within the community, one of the goals set in the Antwerp Diamond Masterplan.
We hope you too will become part of Antwerp’s biggest and most charming sports club ! Be sure to check our website regularly for updates on Sporting A events !
