Panama Courted by Diamond Dealers
Last week, President Ricardo Martinelli hosted leaders from the world diamond industry including Eli Avidar, Eli Izhakoff, Moshe Mosbacher, Martin Hochbaum and Erez Akerman.
The diamond leaders are seeking a South American Hong Kong and are asking for legislation enabling diamond trade and tax exemptions within Panama’s borders.
An Israeli Diamond Institute (IDI) press release reported that Eli Avadar, Managing Director of the Institute, is looking for a base from which to expand activities to South America – one with strict rule of law, a stable government and a well established local Jewish community.
Avidar presented President Martinelli with membership of The IDI League of Honor, awarded to heads of state as a symbol of esteem for their efforts to enhance their countries’ relationship with the Israeli diamond market.
Other League of Honor recipients include Samuel Sam-Sumana, Sierra Leone’s Vice President; Dr. Eugene H. Shannon, Liberia’s Minister of Minerals, Energy and Water Resources; and Erkki Nghimtina, Namibia’s Minister of Mines and Energy.
[...] and imports reaching $5.05 million, up 15 percent from 2008. Main exports to Panama in 2009 were diamonds (30%), electronics (30%), plastics (7%) and chemicals (6%). Main imports from Panama were pearls [...]
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