The Israel Diamond Institute’s new Internet portal www.diamond-il.co.il is now online. The B2B site contains features designed to make doing business with Israel as simple as possible.

One of the highlights of the portal is a search engine that will enable users to locate diamantaires by types of goods offered. Upon registering, buyers are able to define the polished goods they are seeking by carat, color, cut, clarity, and rough diamonds by appropriate criteria. By pressing the Search command they will receive a full list of diamantaires offering the stones they need, including full contact details and company profile. In addition, the database offers an alphabetical index with similar information.

The portal is divided into two sections: an internal one in Hebrew for use by Israeli diamantaires, and an external one, in English, geared to customers abroad. The English section contains up-to-date information on news and events of interest to the industry, as well as special offers by airlines, hotels and restaurants for registered members. A bulletin board will post business opportunities, and there will also be forums and chat groups open to members. The Hebrew section also offers users a digital daily planner, e-mail services, and the ability to establish a company Web site. In addition, the portal streamlines the wait at customs for users in Israel by enabling them to “virtually” take a number.

JCK