Rajiv Mehta

A number of Palanpuri diamantaires made presentations on different aspect of the diamond and jewellery industry at the International Diamond Conference Mines to Market 2010 organised by The Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) in Mumbai on October 12 and 13, 2010, underscoring the important role that the community plays within the industry.

On the opening day, Rajiv Mehta of Dimexon set the tone for later discussions during the post lunch session with his paper on “Taking India to the World”. He traced the rise of India both as a manufacturing centre and as a market, and outlined key challenges that lie ahead.

Opening Day Two was Russell Mehta of Rosy Blue, whose presentation entitled “Assessing the Present -- Moving to the Future” looked at the emerging scenario in the global diamond industry and important issues that need to be addressed by India.

Russell Mehta

The presentation was followed by a Panel Discussion on “Crucial Challenges to Moving Ahead”. The panelists included Rajiv Mehta of Dimexon, Vishal Mehta of Rosy Blue and Ashish Mehta of Kantilal Chhotalal.

In the Manufacturing Session that followed immediately, Anil Shah of Venus Jewel spoke on the role that manufacturers can play in adding value through product development, stressing the importance of technology on the one hand and of educating the work force on the other.

Representing the newly formed Surat Rough Diamond Sourcing India Ltd (SRDSIL), Chairman Ashit Mehta made a brief presentation on the aims and objectives of the body.

 

Panel Discussion in progress

Finally in the concluding session on the Retail Scenario Mehul Choksi of Gitanjali Group spoke about his company’s successful use of branding and an aggressive marketing strategy as the key to deepening penetration of the Indian market.

Though not a speaker, another community member who played a prominent role was Sanjay Kothari, recently elected as Vice Chairman of GJEPC, who was the Convener of the Organising Committee of the conference.