DMCC appoints Peter Meeus as Special Advisor, Diamonds

DMCC is looking to further develop its industry specific market infrastructure and plans to optimise and widen its services to the global diamond trade.

Meeus has extensive experience in the diamond sector and has served as Managing Director to the HRD, the umbrella organisation in the Belgian diamond sector for six years, prior to which he was the Director of the Antwerp Diamond Bourse from 1992 till 1999. Of Belgian origin, Meeus is also the Vice Chairman of the World Diamond Council.

"We are very pleased to have an industry leader like Peter Meeus joining us with his wealth of experience. With his expertise DMCC is better positioned to further understand and serve the needs of the diamond trade and to create additional activities on a global scale,"

explained Dr David Rutledge, CEO of DMCC and Chairman of the Dubai Diamond Exchange.

"The wide range of services and infrastructure that DMCC plans to develop and offer to support the diamond trade will see completion over the next two years."

"Dubai's success in developing the industry has been evident over the past few years. I look forward to working with the Dubai Government and the DMCC team to explore how DMCC can further assist diamond companies worldwide in expanding their activities to the benefit of all, whilst also looking at global investment opportunities. The industry is unique in its operations and calls for specialized focus," commented Meeus on his appointment.

Since its creation in 2002, DMCC's Diamond Division has launched a wide range of successful innovative initiatives such as the Dubai Diamond Exchange, Dubai Gem Certification, the 99-faceted Dubai Cut diamond and the joint venture with online sales provider Polygon. Alongside these initiatives DMCC has driven the implementation of the Kimberley Process Certification scheme across the UAE to combat the trade in conflict diamonds.

The construction of the 65-floor Almas (diamond) Tower providing a purpose-built centre for the industry is also well underway and due for completion Through these initiatives the trade within the local diamonds industry has increased significantly.