Armenian increased production of cut diamonds in first half of 2002

During the 7 months of 2002 Armenia produced and exported $82 million worth
of cut diamonds. This figure is 83% more from the showings of the same period of
2001.

Gagik Mkrtchyan, director of the Diamond Processing, Jewelry and Decorative
Products Department at the Armenian Economic Development and Trade Ministry said
that Armenian diamond cutting plants have a capacity to process 1.5 million
carats of diamonds per annum, however they are restricted by demand on the world
market. In 2002 Armenia plans to export $150 million-$160 million worth of
diamonds.

Armenian cutting plants buy Russian diamonds under an intergovernmental
agreement for 2002-2006. The quota for 2002 amounts to 400,000 carats of jewelry
grade diamonds and also 400,000 of technical grade diamonds, used to produce
diamond powder and instruments. Shortages are made up by exports from Belgium
and Israel.