Antwerp seeks Surat edge to boost gems business

Surat and Antwerp, both powerhouses of the global diamond industry, have initiated steps to further enhance trade ties. While Surat is the world's hub of diamond cutting & polishing, Antwerp is the centre of rough and polished diamond trade.

Various means and ways to increase diamond trade between Surat and Antwerp were discussed during the Antwerp Diamond Day celebrations held in Mumbai on March 25.

Around two dozen diamond traders and industry representatives from Surat participated in the celebrations. A large trade mission led by Prince Philippe of Belgium (and which included diamond players from Antwerp) also took part in the event.

During the event, the Surat diamond industry invited Freddy Hanard, CEO of Antwerp World Diamond Centre, and others from Antwerp's diamond industry to visit Surat for first hand information about the diamond cutting & polishing industry.