Mumbai, Jan 25: Exports of polished diamonds during 2000 have continued its blazing trend and jumped almost 14.68 per cent to $6.826 billion, from $5.952 billion in 1999. Against the imports of rough diamonds of $4.588 billion in 2000, the net value addition from the diamonds' trade has jumped to $2.41 billion against $1.54 billion, last year when the rough diamond imports were placed at $4.411 billion. The jump in value addition is $0.79 bn or 51.30 per cent over previous year.According to the Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC), with this India has once again emerged as the front ranking manufacturing centre, maintaining its lead over Israel, which reported exports of polished diamonds of $3.25 billion ($2.9 bn in 1999).
Exports of gems and jewellery during 2000 totalled $8.409 billion against $7.305 billion in 1999 - a jump of 14.71 per cent.
GJEPC chairman Sanjay Kothari ``The excellent export performance has surpassed even our highest expectations. This has been entirely due to a combination of pragmatic liberalisation policies of the Indian government, and the persistent efforts of our exporters. Policy changes such as creation of special economic zones, will help boost exports further". ``India has established its leadership in exporting of polished diamonds and despite achievements, there are many new challenges before us," Mr Kothari said.
Copyright © 2001 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.
