Minister of Commerce Piyush Goyal pledges support to diamond industry at Surat event

Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal heard diamond industry concerns at an interactive session in diamond hub Surat, attended by over 100 diamond industry leaders. The event saw Goyal pledge his support to the industry along with other dignitaries. 

The event was organised by the Gem and Jewellery Export Promotion Council’s Surat regional office under the guidance of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, the GJEPC announced on Facebook. Other attending dignitaries included Minister of States for Textile and Railways Darshanaben Jardosh and the session focused on both natural and lab grown diamonds and catered to both diamond businesses and diamond-studded jewellery manufacturers. 
 
The session saw diamond industry leaders raise concerns over the equalisation levy, matters relating to the Surat Special Economic Zone, and issues relating to customs and duties. The Manufacturing and Other Operations in Warehouse scheme, where the Customs Department allows raw materials to be imported without the payment of duty for manufacturing and other operations in a bonded manufacturing facility, was also discussed. Goyal emphasised his support to the industry and vowed to look into the concerns.  

“The interactive session held in Surat served as a significant step towards fostering collaboration between the diamond industry and the Ministry of Commerce and Industry,” announced the GJEPC on its website. “By providing a platform for open dialogue, this event has paved the way for constructive initiatives that will contribute to the advancement of the diamond sector and its associated stakeholders.”