SL23-TM-Story-Surat20
THE STORY-SURAT, JANUARY 5-10
The Rapaport Group organized the Surat Trade Mission from 5th Jan to 10th Jan 2020 and had more than 20 delegates participating from the USA, China, Australia, South Africa, Botswana, Japan and Belgium.
Sunday Jan 5, 2020
The Trade Mission began with a flight from Mumbai to Surat.
This was followed by a welcome dinner at the Surat Marriott Hotel and a personal address from the Managing Director of Rapaport India, Ms. Sathi Nair, on what to expect from the Trade Mission in Surat.
Monday Jan 6, 2020
1st visit: Lexus SoftMac & Lemon TechnoMist
The Rapaport Trade Mission kicked off with a tour at one of the offices of Lexus SoftMac & Lemon TechnoMist, one of the finest technological facilities for diamonds.
Lexus – Lemon technologies are the world’s leaders in development and manufacturing technologies. Their software allows for a complete chain of diamond processing from the mines to the market.
Mr. Janak Mistry, chairman of Lexus SoftMac & Lemon TechnoMist Group taught a class, and amazed everyone with his research and development towards diamonds, brilliance, scintillation modified cuts, diamond valuation, Cutwise Live, and more.
Mr. Utpal Mistry, Director of Lexus, explained about their proprietary technology towards fancy color optimization and various services at Lemon TechnoMist, and presented finest white and fancy colored manufacturing projects.
2nd visit: Ankit Gems Pvt. Ltd.
After our visit at Lexus, participants had a site tour of Ankit Gem’s new cutting-edge diamond producing factory at the Gujarat Hira Bourse in Surat. Trade Mission members were astonished by the Rough to Polished flow, as well as the transparent tracking of diamonds throughout the manufacturing cycle.
We wish much thanks to Mr. Dhwanil Shah, Mr. Priyansh Shah and entire supervisory group for their introduction, plant visit and extraordinary hospitality.
3rd visit: Surat Diamond Market, Mahidharpura
The delegation then stopped at Mahidharpura – the world’s busiest diamond trading street. They visited some of the small and medium scale diamond manufacturers and traders. Participants gained an understanding of the work culture, pattern of marketing, sales channel, rates of labour, diamond sizes, etc.
The delegation visited manufacturing units such as Sara Diamonds, A.P. Gems and Khushboo Diamonds at the local polished diamond market.
The delegation then stopped at Mahidharpura – the world’s busiest diamond trading street. They visited some of the small and medium scale diamond manufacturers and traders. Participants gained an understanding of the work culture, pattern of marketing, sales channel, rates of labour, diamond sizes, etc.
The delegation visited manufacturing units such as Sara Diamonds, A.P. Gems and Khushboo Diamonds at the local polished diamond market.
4th visit: Khushi Creations
Participants visited Khushi Creations, which manufactures large sized white and fancy colored diamonds. The Trade Mission witnessed the inconspicuous hypothesis of craftsmanship and specialty of 30ct, 50ct, 100ct. Rough to Polished diamonds. Mr. Vimal Jhaveri, the Owner, showed and explained the final plans of some rarest rough diamonds, which were 200ct+ in sizes.
5th visit: Hari Krishna Export Pvt. Ltd., Ichhapore Factory
The day concluded with a visit to the Surat manufacturing facility of Hari Krishna Exports at the Gujarat Hira Bourse in Ichhapore. Participants had the opportunity to see the manufacturing process, from the rough diamond to the final product. Participants conversed with the HK Group board and learnt how the company is managing its corporate ethics, employee welfare, social responsibilities, client relationship management, amongst other topi
Tuesday Jan 7, 2019
1st visit: Dharmanandan Diamonds
The group had the privilege to meet Mr. Vipul Sutariya, Director of Dharmanandan Diamonds in Surat. After sharing a warm introduction, Trade Mission members had the opportunity to ask questions abouit Dharmanandan’s patented unique modified cuts, light performance and planning to polishing methods.
2nd visit: Lakhi Group
The Trade Mission visited the Lakhi Group factory (also known as Vishindas Holaram), spear headed by Mr. Manish Shah and Mr. Pankaj Shah. This was an opportunity for the delegation to experience the entire diamond processing pipeline from rough manufacturing to the final polish output. The transparency of the process was commendable, and it was amazing to see how the 2000+ employees work in complete synergy using innovative technology
3rd visit: Jodhani Brothers
Participants then toured the Jodhani Brothers factory, which proved to be an educative and informative experience. Participants were fascinated by the extraordinary manufacturing ERP systems. It was also informative to see how the company was organized and technologically driven, and how all the 1000+ employees are empowered to drive the company upwards.
Networking Event in Surat
The Surat trip was concluded with a Networking Event with individuals from the Surat diamantaire network. 125+ diamond manufacturers & dealers joined this meet and greet occasion. They made incredible connections with the Trade Mission individuals.
Wednesday Jan 8
Mumbai
1st visit: Bharat Diamond Bourse (BDB)
On the final leg of their trip, the delegation had an overview of the famous Bharat Diamond Bourse and were
welcomed by Mr. Anoop Mehta – President-BDB, Mr. Mehul Shah – Vice President-BDB, Mr. Paresh Mehta – Secretary – BDB, Mr. Surendra Dassani – Committee Member, Mr. Chirag Parikh – Committee Member and Mr. Jay Parikh – Committee member.
The delegation was apprised with the BDB activities, various initiatives and measures taken by them to promote the diamond and jewelry trade in India. Mr. Anoop Mehta took the entire Rapaport delegation on rounds to show them the Bharat Diamond Bourse from the infrastructure to the various key places in the Bourse.
They also got a glimpse of how the clearing houses operated within the BDB. They were then shown around the BDB Trading Floor and the GII Lab. Additionally, they were taken to the rough diamond section – India Diamond Trading Centre. IDTC is a Special Notified Zone, created and operating under special regulations which allows easy movement of rough diamonds in and out of it.
2nd visit: Mumbai Diamond Merchant Association (MDMA)
The final part of the BDB tour was a visit to the MDMA Hall (Mumbai Diamond Merchants Association Hall) where they were welcomed by Mr. Rohit Mehta –
Vice President, MDMA, Mr. Sachin Shah –– Managing Committee Member and were accompanied by Mr. Surendra Dassani who is also the Treasure of MDMA. Established in 1906, the MDMA (Mumbai Diamond Merchants’ Association) is one the oldest diamond trade organizations.
The century old trade association is dedicated for the diamond trader, by the diamond trader and of the formed by the diamond fraternity. Since its beginnings, the association has always prioritized care, sharing business intelligence and providing numbers of facilities-and-support to diamantaires member.
Later the delegation was hosted by Blue Star and Mr. Arnav Mehta – Director Blue Star, who took them through their company overview.
3rd visit: Blue Star Diamonds Pvt. Ltd.
Later the delegation was hosted by Blue Star and Mr. Arnav Mehta – Director Blue Star, who took them through their company overview.
3rd visit: Blue Star Diamonds Pvt. Ltd.
Later the delegation was hosted by Blue Star and Mr. Arnav Mehta – Director Blue Star, who took them through their company overview.
4th visit: Star Rays
Star Rays hosted the Rapaport Delegation for a networking session over high tea.
Thursday Jan 9
1st visit: H. K. Designs (Hari Krishna’s Jewelry Factory)
The next day the Rapaport Delegation had a field trip to the Jewelry Manufacturing unit of Hari Krishna and were amazed to see the various stages of a diamond jewelry manufacturing right from the start to the finish. This visit was an eye opener for many of the delegation members, and they were amazed to see the scale of the work.
Networking Event in Mumbai
That same evening, a networking event with the top esteemed clients of the Rapaport Group in India were invited to meet with Trade Mission delegates. This event was a huge success and was well received by the clients.
