Antwerp World Diamond Centre (AWDC), the official representative of the Belgian diamond sector organized ‘Antwerp Diamond Day’ in Mumbai , a networking event to foster Indo-Belgian bilateral ties recently. As part of its pro-active approach to promoting diamond trading between Belgium and overseas markets, the Antwerp Diamond Day was a highlight of the economic trade mission to be led by HRH Prince Philippe of Belgium from March 20-27.

The unique networking event involved eight key diamond traders travelling from Antwerp to Mumbai including representatives from Samir Gems, Evershine, Rushdiam, AC Diam and Antwerp Diamond Bank. AWDC CEO Freddy J. Hanard introduced the Antwerp Diamond Day with an overview of the Belgian diamond trade and what it can offer Indian businesses “India and Antwerp compliment each other and diamonds are the major driver of the bilateral trade between the two countries,” said Hanard.

“Diamond industry is the cornerstone of Indo-Belgium ties. With the worst in financial downturn behind us, I am hoping that our partnership will discover new levels of equilibrium to create a win-win for both the countries,” mentioned Vasant Mehta, chairman of GJEPC in his address.

Also present on the occasion was a delegation from Surat Diamond Association headed by Rohit Mehta, President of SDA. He said, “I believe your coming to Mumbai, especially for this celebration testifies the importance you give to the relations between our two great business communities and also puts on agenda our commitment to take this relation forward for the economic benefit of both our countries.”

Mr, Mehta further said, “As we all are very much aware, Antwerp is the International hub for trading of rough and polished diamonds. This has been possible because of the industry friendly policies of the Government of Belgium over the past few decades. Similarly, Surat, in Gujarat state in India has evolved as the major player in the cutting and polishing of the rough diamonds because of the excellent skills of the artisans. Many persons in the industry at Surat, who are also our members, have business relations with business houses in Antwerp and are also regularly visiting Antwerp. In this context, it makes great sense that we put in extra efforts to understand each other. This is the reason we have come with a delegation of members from Surat Diamond Association to interact with you and the members of your delegation.”

“In this context I would like to extend to you Mr. Hanard, my invitation to visit Surat with a delegation of diamontaires from Antwerp in the near future. This will help you to get first hand information of the growth of this industry in Surat. We would also like to inform you that there is a jewellery park of international standards spread over one million sq. mts. of area coming up at Surat which will go a long way in promoting Surat as the next hub for jewellery manufacturing. We are expecting international players to take the benefit of this magnificent infrastructure facility. Your members are also welcome to be a part of it.,” Mr. Mehta said.

This was followed by a presentation by Dr. Jef Van Royen, Senior Research Scientist at HRD Antwerp, Research, on the theme of “Science supporting confidence in diamonds.” He spoke about the different types of treatments available for synthetic diamonds, mainly clarity and colour enhancements and their commercial viability. The final speech will be given by Werner Van Der Cruyssen, Customs Attache at the Belgian Embassy in India, on customs formalities.
The event also provided a networking session enabling Belgian and Indian diamantaires to get to know each other and discover business opportunities, followed by a reception in the presence of HRH Prince Philippe. Antwerp is the primary supplier of rough diamond to India’s massive manufacturing centre, and the Belgian diamond sector is looking to create even wider ties with the country in light of forecasts showing its diamond industry is set to expand in the next five years.