HRD Antwerp, Russia Sign Deal For Opening Of Grading Lab In Moscow
June 19, 18
(IDEX Online) – HRD Antwerp and Deputy Minister of Finance of the Russian Federation Aleksey Vladimirovich Moiseev have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the establishment of an HRD Antwerp diamond grading lab in Moscow.
"The signing of this landmark MoU is an important step forward in the process of opening the first HRD Antwerp laboratory in the Russian Federation," HRD Antwerp said in a statement.
Ari Epstein, President of the Board of Directors of HRD Antwerp, emphasized the importance of Russia as the world’s largest producer of rough diamonds and as an industry leader when it comes to transparency in the value chain at the signing ceremony.
“This collaboration will further enhance confidence in the diamond and jewelry market in Russia and worldwide,” said Epstein.
The signing of the agreement took place against the background of the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme Intersessional meeting taking place this week, and in the presence of Ludo Van Campenhout, Antwerp's Alderman for Diamonds.