The alliance between China and Israel and "the new world order" in the diamond industry were two of the topics discussed at the 2007 China International Diamond Conference.

In a speech today–the second and final day of the conference–Chairman of the Israel Diamond Institute (IDI) and Vice President of the International Diamond Manufacturers Association (IDMA) Moti Ganz said in today`s world, diamond centers vary in the advantages they offer to manufacturers. This means that manufacturers must take advantage of a number of different cutting centers worldwide.

"We, the manufacturers, have no choice but to spread out our businesses and claim as many stops along the diamond pipeline as possible, from mine to retail shop," he said.

Pointing out that no major changes are expected in the manufacturing and mining landscape in the next eight years, Ganz called for manufacturers to work directly with retailers in building brands that will move goods off the shelf.

In a speech on Wednesday, IDI Managing Director Eli Avidar said since the launch of the IDI`s China initiative in July, they have opened an Asia-Pacific office in Hong Kong, have a representative in Beijing and offer Chinese language classes that are so in demand they are overbooked.

"The Israel Diamond Institute has embarked on a strategic partnership with the Chinese diamond industry, which underscores our belief in the huge potential that this market has to offer," he said.

The conference, being held in Shanghai from Nov. 28-29, brings together diamond industry leaders from all over the world.