We are coming to you live from Surat, India as history is being made with the inauguration of the world’s largest diamond trading hub - the Surat Diamond Bourse (SDB). As one of the major diamond processing hubs globally, Surat is cementing its position by opening this state-of-the-art facility to meet the changing landscape of the gem and jewelry industry.
Spread over 9 acres, the Surat Diamond Bourse is set to be the biggest diamond trading hub globally with over 4,000 offices for national & international traders. Built over a period of 4 years at a cost of Rs.3,000 crore, the high-tech SDB complex aims to offer top-notch infrastructure and facilities for diamond traders from around the world.
KEY HIGHLIGHTS OF SURAT DIAMOND BOURSE:
- 4 tower buildings (each 32 floors) with over 4,000 offices
- Capacity to accommodate over 30,000 diamond traders
- High-tech security systems including biometric access, CCTVs, motion sensors
- Vaults, customs clearance services and testing labs
- Luxury amenities like gyms, dining plazas and guest rooms
- Built over 100 acres with 4 massive high-tech towers for trading halls, customs clearance, banks, offices
- Capacity to accommodate over 10,000 diamond traders and manufacturers
- High security infrastructure including skywalks connecting the towers
- Fully air-conditioned trading halls equipped with latest IT systems
- Plans to add convention center, hotel, residential towers in the future
The state-of-the-art SDB complex also has an exclusive jewellery park to promote local handicrafts and a dedicated training institute to provide career opportunities for youth.
INAUGURATION CEREMONY:
The inauguration ceremony has just begun with key dignitaries arriving at the venue. The Chief Minister of Gujarat Mr. Bhupendrabhai Patel will be officially declaring the Surat Diamond Bourse open for business shortly.
Prominent industry leaders from India as well as international delegates from Antwerp, UAE, Israel and Hong Kong are in attendance for this momentous occasion. Expect exciting announcements, keynote addresses, ceremonial plaque unveilings and facility tours today!
The inauguration event is just getting started with key government dignitaries like the Hon’ble Prime Minister and key industry players in attendance. The excitement and activity levels here are palpable, with diamond traders eager to get the first look at what will now be the nerve center of global diamond manufacturing and trade.
As we take you through the various events of the day, the focus will be on understanding what the Surat Diamond Bourse means for the local and global diamond industry. How will trading operations get a boost with this world-class facility? What kind of technologies and systems are being deployed here? How will Surat further grow into the diamond hub of the world?
Live updates from the inauguration of the Surat Diamond Bourse:
- 9:00 AM IST: The inauguration ceremony has just begun with a traditional lamp lighting by the Chief Minister and other dignitaries. There is an air of excitement among the thousands gathered here.
- 9:15 AM: The first trading hall has been opened with the ringing of the traditional ghanta. Traders are entering and taking their seats to begin trading operations. State-of-the-art systems are on display.
- 9:30 AM: Speech from GJEPC chairman praising the efforts to make Surat the world’s largest diamond trading hub. Surat now accounts for 80% of global diamond cutting/polishing.
- 10:00 AM: PM Modi has arrived at the Surat Diamond Bourse to officially inaugurate the facilities. Intense security and arrangements by authorities to manage the event.
- 10:15 AM: PM begins his address highlighting how the SDB will revolutionize the gem and jewelry industry not just locally but globally. State support for $10 billion additional exports.
- 10:45 AM: Virtual tour of key facilities given to PM Modi including trading halls, banking access, customs clearance, testing labs that will aid efficiency & transparency.
- 11:00 AM: First order has been placed at the Surat Diamond Bourse for processing of rough diamonds worth Rs. 150 crores. Marking the formal start of operations here.
- 11:30 AM: The inauguration ceremony concludes with a congratulatory message from world diamond leaders praising Surat Diamond Bourse as the new global hub for diamond trade.
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