Edgard Kagan, US Consul General Inaugurates Bharat Diamond Week; Optimistic about India-US Business Ties

Bharat Diamond Week, a much needed platform to promote the Indian cut and polished diamond industry commenced today, with the presence of Mr. Edgard D Kagan, US Consul General, Mr. Anoop Mehta, President, Bharat Diamond Bourse, Mr. Pramod Agarwal, Chairman, GJEPC, Mr. Mehul Shah, Convener, Bharat Diamond Week, Mr. Mahendra Gandhi, President, MDMA, Mr. Reuven Kaufman, President, Diamond Dealers Club, New York and Mr. Russell Mehta, Managing Director, Rosy Blue (India).

In his welcome address, Anoop Mehta spoke of the excellent response the show has received thus far. ‘Looking at the kind of response we have got, we are thinking of hosting this show twice a year. We have amidst us 150 international buyers and 150 domestic buyers who have already registered for the show. BDB has all the amenities to host a show of such a scale. At the Bourse, we only promote ethical business practices,’ he said.

Congratulating the team for putting together such a spectacular show, Pramod Agarwal said, ‘This is a great event that is conceptualized to promote smaller companies. Diamonds are an important aspect of the gems and jewellery industry and we are world leaders in cut and polished diamonds.’ Throwing light on the relationship the Indian and the US industries have built over the years, Reuven Kaufman said, ‘When I came here in 2000, I saw potential suppliers, today I see friends who have become family. India is the largest manufacturers of cut and polished diamonds, and the US is the largest consumer and this relationship has to be nurtured,’ he said.

Chief Guest Edgard Kegan praised the team for its extraordinary operation skills and commitment. ‘Personal ties and traditions are very important in this industry and it is incredible to see how this industry has grown over the years. I am extremely optimistic about US-India relationship. We at the Consulate are looking to promote both the countries’ business together,’ he said.

Mehul Shah, expressed his heart felt gratitude to everybody responsible in making this show happen.