GJEPC held a productive meeting with a delegation from the Namibia Diamond Board to explore potential collaborations and strengthen the diamond industry in both countries. The meeting, held at the GJEPC Head Office in Bharat Diamond Bourse (BDB) on 12th August, focused on addressing challenges faced by the diamond industry, such as high production costs and the growing threat of lab-grown diamonds. Both parties recognised the need for closer cooperation to enhance the value chain and ensure the sustainability of the natural diamond sector.
The Namibia delegation comprised Brent Eiseb, CEO, Namibia Diamond Trading Company (NDTC); Nekulilo Ithete, Diamond Board of Namibia Director; Bartholomues De Klerk, Diamond Board of Namibia Director; Emily Kapulwa, Diamond Board of Namibia Director; Willy Mertens, CEO, De Beers Marine Namibia; and Tashi Shiimi-ya-Shiimi, Managing Director, TaTe Diamonds. They were welcomed by Vipul Shah, Chairman, GJEPC; Kirit Bhansali, Vice Chairman, GJEPC; Anoop Mehta, President, BDB; Ajesh Mehta, Convener, Diamond Panel, GJEPC; Russell Mehta, Member – Diamond Panel, GJEPC; and Sabyasachi Ray, Executive Director, GJEPC.
GJEPC highlighted the potential of India as a major diamond trading and manufacturing hub, as well as a major diamond consumption market. Given the recent trade-friendly measures announced in the Union Budget, GJEPC proposed the idea of Namibia hosting diamond auctions in India, leveraging the country’s Special Notified Zones (SNZ) in Mumbai and Surat.
The Council also emphasised the importance of joint marketing efforts to promote natural diamonds. Both parties agreed to maintain regular communication and explore potential partnerships, including knowledge sharing, skill development, and joint marketing initiatives. The meeting concluded with a mutual commitment to work together to strengthen the natural diamond industry in both countries and address the challenges posed by the evolving market landscape.