The Qatar Diamond Exchange has signed memoranda of understanding with the Diamond Exchange of Singapore, Shanghai Diamond Exchange and Tokyo Diamond Exchange to support cooperation between their members.
QDE director Ghanim Nasser Al Saadi formalised the agreements with bourse presidents Fabio Cascapera, Lin Qiang and Michio Iwasaki during the 41st World Diamond Congress in Singapore.
Framework for Member Cooperation
The agreements establish a framework for connecting members of the four exchanges, facilitating commercial introductions and considering further areas of cooperation.
They also provide for bilateral visits and reciprocal participation in tenders, auctions, viewings and other industry events organised by the exchanges. These arrangements could help members establish contacts and participate in trading activities across the four markets.
“These new partnerships mark a concrete step in expanding QDE’s engagement across Asia,” Al Saadi said. “By creating direct links between our members and these bourses, we are opening new channels for trade, investment and industry collaboration.”
Industry Standards Included
The cooperation is intended to support consumer confidence in natural diamonds and coloured gemstones while encouraging adherence to recognised industry standards.
These include the World Diamond Council’s System of Warranties, under which businesses trading in rough and polished diamonds include warranty statements on invoices, as well as initiatives led by the Responsible Jewellery Council.
For jewellers and suppliers operating across several jurisdictions, the inclusion of recognised standards may provide greater consistency in due diligence and transaction documentation. The effect will depend on how the agreements are implemented by the exchanges and their members.
Links Between Qatar and Asian Markets
The agreements extend QDE’s formal relationships with diamond centres in Asia. Singapore, Shanghai and Tokyo serve different parts of the regional jewellery supply chain, including trading, distribution and consumer markets.
“The partnerships also reinforce Doha’s potential to serve as a trusted gateway connecting Asian diamond markets with the wider international trade, supported by transparency, responsible practices and internationally recognised standards,” Al Saadi said.
The MoUs do not specify trade targets or transaction volumes. For the jewellery sector, their immediate relevance lies in the creation of formal channels for bourse members to make cross-border contacts, attend trading activities and consider commercial relationships.
