India to Host Mega 'Mines to Markets' Diamond Conference

The Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) of India is holding the International Diamond Conference - Mines to Markets 2005', in Mumbai, India on May 24 & 25, 2005. The Conference will be held at the Tata Theatre, NCPA Complex, Nariman Point, Mumbai. Its season will run from 9.30 a.m. to 6 p.m. on both the days.

Minister of Commerce & Industry, Government of India, Kamal Nath will inaugurate the Conference and Festus Mogae, President of Botswana has consented to be the Keynote Speaker.

Eminent speakers who will participate in the Conference will include:

• Gareth Penny, Managing Director of DTC
• Douglas Ritchie, Managing Director of Rio Tinto Diamonds
• Vladimir Rybkin, Head of Gokhran
• Wayne Isaacs, President & CEO, Ekati Mines (BHP Billiton)
• Dilip Mehta, CEO, Rosyblue
• Hidetaka Kato, Chairman, Kashikey.

The world of gems and jewellery has undergone far-reaching changes in the last few years. The entire diamond pipeline is going through a process of realignment and redefinition, with new players, new alliances and old players in new roles emerging at different points of the chain. As a result, a number of issues and questions are constantly being thrown up.

One looming problem is the reduction in supply of rough diamonds. On the other hand technology has spawned many simulants. There are issues of marketing, of branding, of compliance, of consumer confidence, at the forefront for the gems and jewellery industry.

The Conference will therefore serve as an important international forum for all segments of the diamond business - from mines to markets - to interact, discuss and exchange views on key issues and concerns.

The Conference will also serve to reiterate India's avowed aim of moving from being the largest diamond-manufacturing center to a trading center as well, and a global jewellery hub. It will allow participants from both - the mining world and the consuming markets, a chance to gain a first hand experience of the marvel that is India - a complete gems and jewellery center.

The main co-sponsors for the Conference are: Rosyblue (India) Pvt. Ltd. and Suashish Diamonds Ltd.