HRD Antwerp NV will kick start its Mumbai operations with one of its services � organising educative courses. The course in diamond grading, is scheduled to begin in September-October 2007, for two weeks.

Devika Gidwani, newly appointed COO and Country Head of Mumbai division, mentioned that, the course would be conduced by the HRD experts from Antwerp during their visit to Mumbai at the same time.

The Mumbai office would deliver the same facilities as does the Antwerp office. These would include certifications of diamonds and precious stones, educational platforms and sale of equipment developed by the HRD�s research team.

A logistic link to the Antwerp lab will be formed to facilitate certification. The HRD is optimistic to cater to a huge diamond market like India through its custom-tailored services. The project will be managed by Dirk Dullaert, HRD's chief officer of commercial operations, and Chris Swolfs, Chief Officer of Special Projects, HRD Antwerp NV.