The Gem and Jewellery Export Promotion Council announces International Diamond Conference, Mines to Market 2010 on October 12th &13th, 2010 in Mumbai, India. The two day conference would witness Presidents, Ministers from various mining countries such Angola, Botswana, SA, Canada etc, Delegates from Mining Companies, heads of Retail and Luxury brands such as Signet, Blue Nile, Pandora, Int. Diamond heads of various banks such as ABN Antwerp diamond Bank and SBI. With names like Gareth Penny, Varda Shine, Jean Marc Lieberherr among others M2M 2010 will without doubt be the milestone event in the history of the global diamond industry.

India entered the world cut and polished diamond market when it commenced exports in the late ’60s. In less than three decades, India had emerged as the clear leader in the international polished market.

Over the last few years, India has not only maintained its position as the leading diamond manufacturing centre, it has also increased its share of the market. India today has attained the position of “World Diamond Hub” with India’s Global Share in Diamond witnessing a remarkable increase in VALUE Terms. More importantly the last ten years have also seen the consolidation of a process which began earlier – the move by some Indian companies into the processing of large stones of better quality.

Mr. Vasant Mehta, Chairman, GJEPC, speaking on the initiative said, “Time has come to establish India as a ‘BRAND’ to reckon with in the Gem & Jewellery sector. Indian Gem & Jewellery Industry today enjoys a leadership position globally in manufacturing of diamonds, which is attributed to the in house expertise of manufacturing and cutting edge craftsmanship. Thus India as a diamond manufacturing centre today has skills in producing cut and polished diamonds of virtually every size shape and colour. There has also been a concerted attempt to innovate and develop new cuts. India’s Diamond share in the world market also witnessed an increase in this period from 60% to 70%.”

India has seen an accelerated development on the jewellery front as well, both in terms of quality of the product and the expansion of the industry in terms of sheer size. On the domestic front there has been a proliferation of brands being offered to the Indian consumer. Today the jewellery industry is set to take off on a journey of exponential growth with increasingly open policies, a rapid development of Special Economic Zones in different parts of the country.

One of India’s leading foreign exchange earning sectors over the year has witnessed a considerable growth in the volume of exports which were pegged at US$ 28 Billion. From export figures of US$24894.39 million in the FY 2008-2009, the exports have shown considerable increase and have registered at US$ 29433.70 million in FY 2009-2010, thus indicating an increase of 18.23% in the total Gem & Jewellery exports.

Thus the 3rd Mines to Market Conference aims at taking stock of the Diamond industry globally, and evolving a way forward for future. Each Country would present a paper on their current scenario and future programs, along with Panel discussions on the same.

The Mines to Market Conference in the past, has received enthusiastic response from all stakeholders in the diamond industry, and has emerged as a platform for meaningful interaction and forging business ties.

Ref: GJEPC