World's leading experts to address monetary aspects of gold and diamond trade at 4th City of Gold Conference in Dubai

Other key speakers at the 24th-25th April conference at the Park Hyatt Hotel, who will approach the lucrative gold and diamond trade from a monetary perspective include Blackie Marole, Managing Director of Debswana Diamond Company, Chaim Even-Zohar of international consultancy, Tacy Ltd., Martin Botha, Regional Head for Europe, FSU, Middle East and Central Asia of Standard Bank Plc, and Colin Griffith, Executive Director, Gold at the Dubai Multi Commodities Centre.

Investor, analyst, writer, Paul Van Eeden is best known for his work on the monetary aspects of gold. In addition to predicting the rise in the gold price by showing the correlation between money supply and the price of gold, he also showed how exchange rates had impacted the gold price during the 1990s and predicted a decline in the US dollar with a consequent rise in the gold price. Paul Van Eeden, who is also an active investor in mineral exploration and writes a newsletter about investing in mineral exploration companies, will speak on 'Understanding the Gold Market from a Monetary Perspective' during the Dubai-City of Gold Conference.

As Chairman of Rapaport Group, Martin Rapaport has gained extensive knowledge of rough and polished diamond trading as well as reporting and analysis of the international diamond markets. He currently operates diamond brokerage firms in New York, Antwerp and Mumbai, with offices in Antwerp, Tokyo, Hong Kong and Vicenza. His topic at the conference will be 'Diamond Trading on the Net Threat or Opportunity?'.

Martin is well known for his Rapaport Diamond Report, a weekly publication providing diamond price and market information. His price indications are closely followed by people in the industry and frequently used as a basis for trading in the diamond markets. The report also includes detailed market reports and analysis as well as the world's largest listing service of diamonds for sale. He established diamonds.net and RapNet, which provide electronic information and trading services to the diamond trade on the Internet, allowing both buyers and sellers to trade directly with each other and provides interactive conferences which promote discussion of trade issues.

Chaim Even-Zohar, the principal of Tacy Ltd, an international consultancy specializing in all aspects of the international diamond and jewelry business, will present a pertinent topic titled the 'The Impact of Anti Money Laundering Compliance Programs on the International Diamond and Jewellery Trade and Industry'. Chaim has gained unrivalled expertise due to his continuous involvement in the industry. His services have been engaged by various international diamond industry bodies to advance harmonization of international compliance regimes, especially with the United States. A well known author and industry analyst, Chaim is founder and editor of various diamond-industry publications. His expert opinions have been published in prospectuses used for raising both private and public capital.

Having joined Standard Bank in London in 1988, Martin Botha is currently the Regional Head for Europe, FSU, Middle East and Central Asia. Initially responsible and involved in the establishment and development of the financial services company, which is now Standard Bank Plc, he was instrumental in the development of the bank's Developing Market and Natural Resource focus. Martin's presentation at the event will focus on the 'Innovation in Gold Jewellery Financing - Regional Development with Global Application'.

With over 30 years of experience in the gold and precious metals industry Colin Griffith, who was appointed Chairman of Dubai Multi Commodities Centre in January 2006, will provide a local dimension with his presentation on 'DMCC Delivers Golden Initiatives'.

Commenting on the line-up of speakers, K. P. Baiju, General Manager of Dubai Gold and Jewellery Group, said:

"The line-up of more than 20 eminent speakers that has been put together for this conference will present a unique opportunity for decision-makers and business leaders from around the world to exchange views and share ideas and solutions on a range of issues and challenges facing the gold and jewellery industry, as well as the numerous opportunities and initiatives that can be grasped to further enhance the growth of this important sector."

The 4th Dubai City of Gold Conference is being organized by the Dubai Gold and Jewellery Group and is supported by the Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC), a Government of Dubai initiative that provides industry-specific market infrastructure and a full range of facilities for a full-fledged commodities market in Dubai.