World Jewelry Hub Officially Inaugurated in Panama

(IDEX Online News) – The World Jewelry Hub (WJH), the first dedicated diamond, colored gemstone and jewelry trading center in Latin America, was officially inaugurated in the presence of Panama's head of state, President Juan Carlos Varela.

President Varela was joined at the ceremony by Alvaro Aleman, the minister of the Presidency, Meliton Arrocha, the minister of Commerce and Néstor González, the vice mnister of Commerce.

The ceremony was held in the first phase building of the $200 million WJH complex, which will serve as the primary business center for the trade in Mexico, South America, Central America and the Caribbean, and the access point to the region for suppliers and buyers around the world.

"This represents an important investment in our country," said Valera in his address to the gathering, "which will generate thousands of new jobs and will have a significant impact on our economy. We recognize this as government, and we will fully support the project though our Ministry of Commerce and Industry."

“This is a historic milestone for Panama, Latin America and the international gem and jewelry trade,” said WJC chairman Eli Izhakoff.  

“Today represents the birth of a world-class trading center that will facilitate the growth of the world's next great market and a business complex that will serve the trade from around the world. When complete, WJH will change not only the skyline of Panama City, but the entire profile of the international jewelry trade."