Amid the ongoing slowdown in global diamond markets, the Southern Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SGCCI) on Friday announced the formation of a Diamond Task Force (DTF) to promote the gems and jewellery industry of the city.

Dinesh Navadiya, chairman of the Indian Diamond Institute, was appointed chairman of the task force.

The meeting discussed strategies to strengthen Surat's diamond and jewellery industry and the activities the DTF can undertake for this purpose.

SGCCI president Nikhil Madrasi said, "DTF will focus on vendor development, foreign delegations, exhibitions, and conclaves to boost the growth of the city's diamond and jewellery industry. Events of the scale of the India Jewellery Show will be organised, along with two fashion shows and award functions during the year," Madrasi said. DTF aims to organize at least 10 events.

He added that the DTF was formed for the holistic development of Surat's diamond and jewellery industry, technology upgradation, import-export facilitation, expansion into new markets, and increasing international demand.
"Buyer-seller meetings and roadshows will be organised at the global level," said Ashok Jirawala, vice-president, SGCCI.

Highlighting the priorities, Navadiya said, "DTF will develop branding and marketing strategies to boost demand for Surat's diamonds in domestic and international markets, while also providing guidance and support for skill development, innovation, and smart manufacturing."

A diamond manufacturer, Pintu Dholakia, said, "DTF can facilitate delegations of diamond industry leaders to key mining locations."
Dholakia highlighted the need to train youth in diamond cutting-polishing, designing, gemology, and finishing, with a focus on new technical processing methods. Short-term courses and workshops will be organized to strengthen the diamond and jewellery industry.
President of SDA, Jagdish Khunte, noted that the DTF can help increase global demand for diamonds. LGDA president, Babu Vaghani, emphasized that Surat produces some of the finest jewellery globally, with minimal wastage. Hence, Surat's lab-grown diamond strategy can be promoted globally.

The meeting was attended by representatives of the Surat Diamond Association (SDA), Lab-Grown Diamond Association (LGDA), Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC), Surat Jewellery Manufacturers Association, Surat Diamond Bourse, Surat Diamond Brokers Association, Surat Diamond Traders Association, India Bullion and Jewellers Association, Varachha-Katargam Jewellers Association, Surat Jewellers Association, and Surat Jewellery Association.

Courtesy: TOI