GJEPC’s   Surat Office recently organised a trade meet with the  Consul General of  Australia  Tony Huber.  He was accompanied by the Vice Consul General Tim Hall; and Ms. Ramya Kapoor, Research Officer.

The Indian delegation was led by Regional Chairman, Surat, Dinesh Navadiya. He was joined by Manager of the Surat Regional Office, Rajat Wani and other trade members.

The Australian Consul General   explained to the GJEPC members attending the meeting that the Australian Government understands the important contribution of Surat to the Indian  diamond industry and mentioned that  western India, including Surat, being the epicentre  of the Indian economy,  the Australian Government was focussed  on this region. 

Saying that  they are looking to strengthen economic  tie  with western India, he also  mentioned   projects like the "New Colombo Plan"  which    is an ambitious project of the Australia   aiming to upgrade the knowledge of the Indo-Pacific in Australia by supporting Australian undergraduates to study and undertake internships in the region.

Huber also spoke about  the project "Train the Trainer", where their experts could come and train educationists  in India for skill up-gradation.

In response, one of the GJEPC members commented that   they had gone through this project and felt that the fees are  considerably higher compared to the deliverables. The    Consul General duly took note of the feedback  and assured members that the point would be taken into consideration.

 In addition, the delegation mentioned that those who  have undertaken educational courses  in  Australia or have worked in Australia, and are currently settled in India, could be  made part of various Australian projects in India.

Members explored the possibility of  talent exchange and talent acquisition between the two countries, more specifically for the gems and jewellery industry. 

There was a discussion on diamond mines in Australia and their operations.  Rajat Wani, Manager Regional Office, Surat, raised a question, on behalf of Dinesh Navadiya, Regional Chairman, about the operations of mines in Australia and asked who controls  mining in Australia.

The Consul General replied saying that "I am not an expert on the subject,  but as far as I know the mines are operated by the state government with due supervision of the Central Government.”

 He added: "We don't have any restrictions on mining in Australia and probably you can come, own, and manage the mines in Australia."

The Regional Chairman said that this could be a potential opportunity   for the diamond industry of Gujarat.

 The Regional Chairman on his part apprised the Consul General   about the various ambitious projects of the GJEPC like the Common Facility Centres, the SIDC etc. He invited Australian mines to set up offices in SIDC in Surat and hold  their rough auction there. He underlined that  Surat is the leader in terms of cutting and polishing of Australian diamonds.

Manager, Regional Surat Office  explained the operations, achievements and importance of the gems and jewellery industry of Gujarat and its significance to the Indian as well as the international economy.

He also  inquired about the jewellery market in Australia, on which question he was  joined by   Kalpesh Vaghasiya, owner of Elvee Jewels, Surat.

Consul General Huber replied that he did not have expertise in that field,  but, as per his knowledge, Australia is not a big consumer of the jewellery. However, he said,  there are  jewellery designers in Australia who can collaborate with Indian talent and support the industry to do better.

Pic Cap:

Consul General of Australia (centre) exchanging  a few words with Regional Chairman, Dinesh Navadiya (ext rt); also seen (ext left) is Vice Consul General of Australia, Tim Hall