Kimberley Process team in Surat, takes stock of diamond industry

A five-member delegation of Kimberley Process (KP) took stock of the diamond industry in Surat on Tuesday, on the first day of its two-day visit to the world's largest diamond cutting and polishing centre.

The delegation of the industry watchdog met with officials of The Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC), which monitors implementation of KP in the country, on Tuesday morning. The delegation was briefed about the various activities of the council.

The delegation, which included representatives from Switzerland, Israel, Africa, UK and Canada, also checked the various systems implemented by the council for compliance with KP. They also interacted with the council officials about various aspects of KP certification.

During the meeting, the delegation stressed on the importance of strict compliance with KP norms to keep conflict diamonds out of the diamond pipeline.

Later, the delegation, led by Sabinne Metzger, also visited the Surat Customs House, and took stock of the process of issuing KP certificates. It visited a diamond cutting factory, and The Southern Gujarat Chamber of Commerce & Industry. The delegation members also took part in a dinner hosted by the council.

"This is a routine visit by the KP delegation to check proper implementation of KP norms. We also visit out countries for similar purpose. The delegation was satisfied with the visit and interaction with us," said Chandrakant Sanghavi, regional chairman, GJEPC, said.

The visit of the delegation to Surat comes at a time when rough diamonds worth several crores have been reportedly sold by Zimbabwe without proper certification from KP. Reports suggest that the rough diamonds, which were mined in the controversial Marange fields, have been purchased by Indian traders. However, Sanjay Kothari, vice-chairman of GJEPC, clarified that the rough has not entered India yet and the council would not allow Indian diamond companies to deal with the particular rough.

The delegation will also have a busy day on Wednesday as it is slated to visit diamond cutting and polishing factories, and the Indian Diamond Institute.