Gujarat Chief Minister Anandiben Patel inaugurated Sparkle 2015 on January 3, 2015 and congratulated the diamond and jewellery industry in the state for its contribution to the country’s exports and to the progress of the state. Other senior representatives of the state government, GJEPC Chairman Vipul Shah, office bearers of the South Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SGCCI) and of other trade associations as well as the Consul-Generals of Thailand and Sri Lanka were also present.

The CM also assured the industry of the government’s all-round support, including for the setting up of the world class Gujarat Hira Bourse that will facilitate further development of the diamond and jewellery industries in the city. She said that the state government, as per its new industrial policy would set up special centres for training in the skills required in diamond business at Ahmedabad, Surat, Rajkot and Bhavnagar.

The four-day gems and jewellery show is being organized by South Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SGCCI) at the convention centre in Sarsana, Surat from January 3-6, 2015 in the run-up to the Vibrant Gujarat summit being organised by the state government.  This is the 7th edition of the show and has 80 exhibitors with about 150 stalls.

Addressing the gathering, Vipul Shah said, “In the recently concluded World Diamond Conference, Narendrabhai Modi, Prime Minister of India, announced the acceptance of the industry’s proposal for a Special Notified Zone that will help miners bring roughs on consignment basis, display and book orders from local buyers. This SNZ will help the aspiration levels of Indian diamantaires, be it big or small, whether based in Mumbai or Surat to trade in diamonds at ease without the need to travel abroad. The main objective is to provide Indian diamond manufacturers’ direct access to the producers and miners of the world and vice-versa. The creation of a special notified zone will transform India into one of the largest rough diamond trading Centres, similar to Antwerp and Dubai.”

Shah also acknowledged the efforts and support of various trade bodies and associations including SGCCI in the development of the industry.
 

Photo Caption: Gujarat CM and her cabinet colleagues visiting Sparkle 2015