Gold Fields Limited, one of the world's largest gold producers, on Monday listed on the Dubai International Financial Exchange (DIFX), becoming the first African and gold mining company to list on the exchange. Gold Fields Ghana, which operates the Tarkwa and Damang Gold Mines, is currently Ghana's leading gold producer with annual production in excess of 900,000 ounces from the two mines. A statement issued by Gold Fields on Tuesday quoted Mr. Ian Cockerill, the Chief Executive Officer as saying: "I am delighted that Gold Fields is again leading South African companies into a new terrain that we believe will yield many positive returns in the future. "Gold Fields is confident that its listing on the DIFX will create many more opportunities for both institutions as mutually beneficial relationships develop." Mr. Cockerill said DIFX was the gateway to a significant pool of liquidity in the Gulf, Middle East and Central Asian region. Mr. Per E. Larsson, Chief Executive Officer of DIFX, said the listing of Gold Fields demonstrated the attraction of DIFX to major international companies. "As the only international exchange between Western Europe and East Asia, DIFX provides a natural link for investors in the region to access Gold Fields shares. The DIFX region has long been known for its fascination with gold, with Dubai alone importing one eighth of the world's total supply in 2005." Mr. Nasser Al Shaali, Chief Operating Officer of DIFX, said: "Gold Fields joins firms with roots in Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, India, Germany, Switzerland and elsewhere that have listed securities on the exchange. We are preparing for further significant listings." Gold Fields is also listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange, New York Stock Exchange, London Stock Exchange, Euro next and Swiss Exchanges. It is now one of the world's largest unhedged gold producers with annual production of approximately 4.1 million ounces, proven and probable reserves of about 65 million ounces and resources of almost 179 million ounces. Gold Fields operations span across four continents with producing mines in South Africa, Ghana, Venezuela, Peru and Australia; and developing projects in Burkina Faso and Finland. Globally, the company employs almost 50,000 people. Source: GNA