A gathering of presidents, ministers from various mining countries such Angola, Botswana, SA, Canada etc, leading delegates of global mining companies, retail and luxury brands such as Signet, Blue Nile, Pandora, Int., and those handling diamond portfolios at various banks such as HSBC, Stanchart, ABN and ADB are expected at the 3rd ‘Mines to Market’ international diamond conference to be hosted by the Gem and Jewellery Export Promotion Council of India between October 12-13, 2010 at Tata Theatre, NCPA, Mumbai. The event is also expected to host leading names like Gareth Penny, Varda Shine, Jean Marc Lieberherr among others.

Taking on the success of the previous editions of ‘Mines to Market’ the GJEPC is once again organising this event. This year the gathering would interact on ascertaining the current status of the global diamond industry and evolving a way forward for future. Each country would present a paper on their current scenario and future programmes, along with Panel discussions on the same.

Mr. Vasant Mehta, Chairman, GJEPC, speaking on the initiative said, “Time has come to establish India as a ‘BRAND’ to reckon with in the Gem & Jewellery sector. Indian Gem & Jewellery Industry today enjoys a leadership position globally in manufacturing of diamonds, which is attributed to the in house expertise of manufacturing and cutting edge craftsmanship. Thus India as a diamond manufacturing centre today has skills in producing cut and polished diamonds of virtually every size shape and colour. There has also been a concerted attempt to innovate and develop new cuts. India's Diamond share in the world market also witnessed an increase in this period from 60 percent to 70 percent.”