Surat: Consulate General of Russian Federation in Mumbai Andrei Zhiltsov has invited diamond and jewellery manufacturers of the city to set up manufacturing units in Russia to strengthen bilateral business model for exchange of rough diamonds.
On his maiden visit to the Diamond City on Friday, Zhiltsov inaugurated the gems and jewellery event 'Sparkle-2017' at Surat International Exhibition and Convention Centre (SIECC). Zhiltsov stated that the B2B event will go a long way in attracting buyers from across the country and around the world as Surat is world's largest diamond manufacturing centre.
"Russia is the world leader with 25 per cent share in rough diamond production. Russian companies, including Alrosa, are unable to sell rough diamonds directly in India due to some unresolved tax issues by Indian government, but the diamond companies can get their due share of rough diamonds by setting up diamond manufacturing units in Russia," Zhiltsov said.
Zhiltsov added, "The Russian Federation government is keen to support Indian diamond manufacturers in setting up units in Russia."
For the first time, Southern Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SGCCI) has changed the format of Sparkle event from B2C to B2B. Only bulk buyers will be allowed to visit the exhibition, while general public will be barred from entering.
"The Diamond City is inching closer towards having a world-class Surat Diamond Bourse (SDB), which is going to change the face of Surat's diamond industry. With international air connectivity in the offing, Surat's diamond industry will be all glittering in the coming years," Venus Jewels chairman Sevanti Shah said.
