HRD Antwerp’s new office premises within the Bharat Diamond Bourse was inaugurated last week by Belgium’s Consul-General, Mr Peter Huyghebaert, in the presence of HRD CEO Mr Michael Janssens, BDB President Mr Anoop Mehta, Vice President Mr Mehul Shah and other dignitaries.

The BDB Committee hosted a special function in honor of the Consul-General, as well as to welcome the international lab to the BDB premises.

Others present at the function included Mr. Pramod Agrawal, Chairman, GJEPC, Mr. Colin Shah – Vice Chairman and GJEPC, Mr. Russell Mehta, Special Advisor GJEPC. Also representing HRD Antwerp were Mr. Pascal Delvenne, CCO - HRD Antwerp, Mr. Ravi Chhabria, Managing Director - HRD Antwerp India and Mr. Riddhish Parekh, Commercial Director – HRD Antwerp India.

In his opening speech, Mr. Anoop Mehta, President - BDB said, “We welcome HRD Antwerp to the Bharat Diamond Bourse. Today we are facing issues of CVD and the presence of HRD Antwerp in the bourse will help the traders tremendously in conducting their business peacefully and effectively.”

HRD Antwerp India also has opened their jewellery grading facility in SEEPZ, Mumbai to cater to the export market. Mr. Michel Janssens, CEO – HRD Antwerp stated “We believe in the Indian market and we are here to grow further. The opening of our BDB and SEEPZ office is the first step in growing our presence in India.”

Appreciating the efforts made by the Bharat Diamond Bourse (BDB) for the successful launch of HRD Antwerp India’s new office, Mr. Ravi Chhabria, in conjunction with Mr. Mehul Shah announced, “We have associated with the bourse in carrying out a common CSR activity, under which HRD Antwerp India will reserve two seats in all educational programmes for the under-privileged and deserving candidates of the industry who desire to acquire skills and education for a better future in a diamond industry. The candidates will be nominated by the BDB management. We are glad to be a part of this initiative in doing our bit in giving back to the society.”

Pic caption: Belgium Consul General Mr Peter Huyghebaert inaugurates the HRD office in BDB in the presence of HRD CEO Mr Michael Janssens, BDB President Mr Anoop Mehta & V President Mr Mehul Shah