AWDC and Shanghai Bourse Sign Cooperation Agreement
April 01, 14
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The agreement calls for cooperation with respect to the development of an exclusive commercial and trade relationship. The signing of such an agreement, in the framework of President Xi Jinping’s first visit to Europe as Head of State, marks the key importance of the diamond trade between Antwerp and China, the AWDC said in a statement.
The AWDC has for many years placed a special focus on China, with the goal of increasing cooperation between these two natural partners. “It is truly an honor for AWDC to enter into a Cooperation Agreement with SDE, which will contribute to even stronger links between the Belgian and Chinese diamond trade. Our historical ties and interdependence are a solid foundation for enhanced cooperation that will benefit both AWDC and SDE, and in turn both the Belgian and Chinese economies,” said AWDC President Stéphane Fischler.
Greater China is the second largest export market for Belgian polished diamonds, with exports of $3.7 billion while imports were $3.4 billion.
"The signing of the Cooperation Agreement by AWDC President Stéphane Fischler, AWDC CEO Ari Epstein and SDE President Lin Qiang, is a testament to the resolve to deepen the trade relationship, by entering into a long-term partnership, geared towards increasing bilateral trade," the AWDC said in a statement.
"The agreement commits both parties to increase the trade in diamonds between China and Belgium by at least 10 percent annually, over three years. In addition, it encompasses cooperation in exchanging market information and diamond knowledge, encouraging free trade of diamonds and cooperating in the field of research and development, especially concerning preserving and defending the integrity of the natural diamond pipeline."
Meanwhile Epstein said: “Greater China already takes second place in the rankings of Antwerp’s top trading partners. In this Cooperation Agreement we have set out ambitious goals for AWDC and SDE to further increase bilateral trade in diamonds. AWDC is confident that entering into a long-term partnership with a valued stakeholder such as SDE will further contribute to a win-win relationship between both parties. We are especially honored that this key step in the Belgian-Chinese diamond trade relationship is cemented in the presence of President Xi Jinping."
SDE President Lin Qiang declared, “The Cooperation Agreement between SDE and AWDC will prove vital in deepening our relationship. The scope of the partnership outlined in this agreement is an organic development in the Belgian-Chinese diamond trade, and an important dimension of both countries’ strategic aims.
"I am confident that the full commitment of SDE and AWDC to the goals outlined in the agreement will be mutually rewarding for both sides.”