Sparkle kicks off in Surat

In the final run-up to the Vibrant Gujarat 2011 Summit, the Government of Gujarat in association with South Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SGCCI) on Thursday inaugurated the third edition of gems and jewellery festival 'SPARKLE' in Surat. The four day festival was inaugurated by the Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi.

The event saw the participation of over 1,200 industry players from across the country and international delegations from the UK, Dubai, China Indonesia and Hong Kong comprising of wholesalers, retailers, importers, exporters, polishers, designers, allied products and service providers, dealers and international source agents.

Talking about the industry, Modi said, "The diamond Industry is one of the major industries of Gujarat and accounts for a turnover of above Rs 80,000 crore annually. Surat is the world's diamond manufacturing hub with eight out of the 10 diamonds processed in the world are processed in Surat.

With the regular organizing of Sparkle, Surat is destined to be the next diamond jewellery manufacturing hub as well." The 4–day event will see a host of events ranging from fashion shows and expositions to NRI meets, as well as a cultural extravaganza and concurrent show. The state government has also taken the effort to promote tourism through a tourism expo by inviting exhibitors from the tourism and hospitality industry to showcase their offerings at the festival. "The gems and jewellery industry of Surat should have a cluster approach and a systematic approach to branding for the industry. With a more focused approach on knowledge and technology upgradation, Surat is well poised to become a global brand," said Modi. To be held from January 6-9 2011, Sparkle has been organised by SGCCI with support from the Surat Diamond Association (SDA), the Surat Jewellers' Association (SJA), the Surat Municipal Corporation (SMC) and The Gems and Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC).