The 35th World Diamond Congress 2012, the very first World Diamond Congress hosted by India, was inaugurated at Taj lands Hotel Mumbai, by Chief Minister of Maharashtra Prithiviraj Chauhan. With the inaugural speech delivered by Anoop Mehta President Bharat diamond Bourse, the opening day saw much industry insights being shared by leading personalities of the world diamond industry.

Vipul Shah, the newly elected chairman of GJEPC noted India as the undisputed leader in the global diamond industry. GJEPC had envisioned generic diamond promotions to propel the demand for diamond, which was again identified by Anoop Mehta at the Congress. Identifying India as a leader in the diamond manufacturing sector, Avi Paz President World federation of Diamond Bourses, Moti Ganz, Chairman of IDI, called India a fitting venue for the Congress. Maharashtra state chief minister Prithviraj Chauhan said that the diamond industry is important for the state’s progress, and will receive cooperation from the state government. Vasant Mehta vice president IDMA delivered a vote of thanks