Israel's Kattan Wins Australia Export Award

The leadership of the Israeli diamond industry turned out on Tuesday to honor diamantaire Jacob Kattan – the first Israeli diamond trader to win an award for exports to Australia.

Kattan received his award for excellence in bi-lateral trade from Ehud Olmert, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Industry, Trade and Labor.

"JKD supplies diamonds to a wide variety of Australian clients, many of whom are wholesalers located in Sydney and Melbourne," Kattan said. "JKD also markets polished diamonds in the United States, Hong Kong and other Asian destinations.

"The Australian market is a very sophisticated one, with specific needs. If you can match the particular demands of the market and provide top quality service, you can build long-term relationships with clients there," Kattan said. "There's a demand for diamonds of all sizes, with special emphasis on5 points to one carat. The Australian customer prefers round and princess cuts."

The Israeli diamond industry was represented by IDE President Avi Paz, chairman of the Israel Diamond Institute Simcha Lustig, the President of IsDMA Motti Ganz and its General Manager, Motti Besser, and Shmuel Schnitzer, President of the World Federation of Diamond Bourses, amongst others.