The diamond sector in Gujarat, where eight of the world’s 10 rough diamonds are processed by around eight lakh polishers based in Surat, is a major contributor to the state’s economy, and the new diamond bourse coupled with the Vibrant Gujarat Summit are projected to spur its growth further, experts feel.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday inaugurated the sprawling Surat Diamond Bourse, calling it a symbol of strength and determination of new India.
According to industry experts, the contribution of the state’s diamond sector is only going to get bigger with the new bourse as the turnover is projected to go up to Rs 2 lakh crore annually. The industry is set to provide employment to another 1.5 lakh people and help achieve the central government’s ambitious export targets for gem and jewellery, they say.