Israel -- The Hub of the Diamond World Israel is the hub of the global diamond industry, a major center for both the manufacture and trade of polished diamonds. Processing about one-half of the world's gem-quality rough in dollar terms, Israeli diamond companies provide the stones that garnish a vast percentage of the diamond jewelry sold worldwide. The World's Largest Diamond Complex The Israel Diamond Center in Ramat Gan is the largest in the world, housing all of the operational functions and needs of every diamond buyer under one roof. The Israel Diamond Exchange today consists of four interconnected high-rise buildings that form a virtually impenetrable fortress. A fifth tower is currently in the planning stages. Connected internally by pedestrian bridges, it is protected by an advanced security system. The Israel Diamond Exchange encompasses 2,600 members, the world's biggest diamond trading hall, a precious stones exchange, and more than 1,000 private offices. About 15,000 people daily pass through the complex, which extends over more than 100,000 square meters. In addition to diamond offices, the center houses banks, shipping companies, gemological laboratories, a customs office, a post office, restaurants, medical facilities and more. The complex provides both tenants and visitors with every service and facility for conducting business in complete security and total comfort. Advanced Technology at Work Israel's diamond polishing factories - considered the most advanced in the world - are equipped with sophisticated diamond processing technologies - many of which were developed locally. By putting cutting-edge technologies into the hands of highly skilled workers, Israel has cost-effectively achieved the ideal formula for maximum yield, best make, and incomparable value. In recent years Israel has expanded its manufacturing capabilities to various offshore locations. The stones processed abroad are imported back into Israel for grading and sorting, and are eventually exported by Israeli companies to markets in North America, Asia, Europe and elsewhere. Diamonds, Israel's Number One Export Polished diamonds are Israel's leading export item, and account for more than 20% of total exports. Today, Israel is one of the world's largest exporters of polished diamonds, and a major center for the trade in rough diamonds as well. In 2006 Israel's total exports amounted to $35.9 billion, while net polished diamond exports from Israel totalled $6.6 billion. Net imports of rough diamonds stood at $4.7 billion, and net exports of rough were $2.7 billion. Net imports of polished diamonds, largely from Israeli manufacturing facilities based abroad, reached $4 billion.