OREANDA-NEWS. May 04, 2012. The Federal Antimonopoly Service (FAS Russia) organized a meeting between the Head of FAS Department for Control over Chemical Industry and Agro-Industrial Complex, Mikhail Fedorenko with representatives of Antwerp World Diamond Centre (AWDC), reported the press-centre of FAS Russia.

Representatives of AWDC at the meeting included Stephane Fishler, Vice president, Isy Marcel, a members of the Board of Directors, Ari Epstein, CEO, and Dree Olvo, Counselor.

Ari Epstein discussed the state of the global diamond industry and the role of AWDC, the coordinating body and an official representative of the diamond sector in Antwerp. Antwerp is the principal global trading platform for buying and selling diamonds, where over 50% of all diamonds produced in the world are sold. Mr. Epstein pointed out that in the past years the role of Russia increased on the global diamond market and he expressed his concern with insignificant involvement of companies in procurement.

As emphasized by Mikhail Fedorenko, currently FAS Russia, with participation of “ALROSA” AK” OJSC and Russian companies for gem-cutting industry, is developing the rules for non-discriminatory access of consumers to rough diamonds. FAS is also studying experience of the global diamond community on pricing for rough diamonds.

Stephane Fishler stated that AWDC has extensive information on regulation and procedure of functioning of the diamond market, and AWDC would be happy to share it with FAS Russia.

Summing up the meeting the parties agreed to develop cooperation for consultations on developing the rules for non-discriminatory access.