Latest news with #NikhilMadrasi
Time of India
04-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Diamond Task Force to promote Surat gems with renewed strategy
1 2 Surat: Amid the ongoing slowdown in global diamond markets, the Southern Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SGCCI) on Friday announced the formation of a Diamond Task Force (DTF) to promote the gems and jewellery industry of the city. Dinesh Navadiya, chairman of the Indian Diamond Institute, was appointed chairman of the task force. The meeting discussed strategies to strengthen Surat's diamond and jewellery industry and the activities the DTF can undertake for this purpose. SGCCI president Nikhil Madrasi said, "DTF will focus on vendor development, foreign delegations, exhibitions, and conclaves to boost the growth of the city's diamond and jewellery industry. Events of the scale of the India Jewellery Show will be organised, along with two fashion shows and award functions during the year," Madrasi said. DTF aims to organize at least 10 events. He added that the DTF was formed for the holistic development of Surat's diamond and jewellery industry, technology upgradation, import-export facilitation, expansion into new markets, and increasing international demand. "Buyer-seller meetings and roadshows will be organised at the global level," said Ashok Jirawala, vice-president, SGCCI. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Is it better to shower in the morning or at night? Here's what a microbiologist says CNA Read More Undo Highlighting the priorities, Navadiya said, "DTF will develop branding and marketing strategies to boost demand for Surat's diamonds in domestic and international markets, while also providing guidance and support for skill development, innovation, and smart manufacturing." A diamond manufacturer, Pintu Dholakia, said, "DTF can facilitate delegations of diamond industry leaders to key mining locations." Dholakia highlighted the need to train youth in diamond cutting-polishing, designing, gemology, and finishing, with a focus on new technical processing methods. Short-term courses and workshops will be organized to strengthen the diamond and jewellery industry. President of SDA, Jagdish Khunte, noted that the DTF can help increase global demand for diamonds. LGDA president, Babu Vaghani, emphasized that Surat produces some of the finest jewellery globally, with minimal wastage. Hence, Surat's lab-grown diamond strategy can be promoted globally. The meeting was attended by representatives of the Surat Diamond Association (SDA), Lab-Grown Diamond Association (LGDA), Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC), Surat Jewellery Manufacturers Association, Surat Diamond Bourse, Surat Diamond Brokers Association, Surat Diamond Traders Association, India Bullion and Jewellers Association, Varachha-Katargam Jewellers Association, Surat Jewellers Association, and Surat Jewellery Association.
Time of India
06-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Nikhil Madrasi sworn as 79th SGCCI president
S urat: Nikhil Madrasi was sworn in as the 79th president of The Southern Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SGCCI) at a formal oath-taking ceremony held on Friday evening. The installation of office bearers for the year 2025–26 also saw Ashok Jirawala assume the role of vice-president. In his address, Madrasi announced Bijal Jariwala as the honorary secretary and Mitish Modi as the honorary treasurer. He also introduced Mayuri Mevawala as the new chairperson of the ladies wing. Madrasi underlined his commitment to building stronger synergies between industry and government. "SGCCI and the government are like two sides of the same coin when it comes to trade and industrial development," he remarked. He pledged active participation in government-led initiatives and assured that SGCCI would take responsibility and collaborate wherever possible to ensure seamless progress in the sector. Laying out his vision for the year ahead, Madrasi said a strong emphasis would be placed on value addition and export-oriented growth in the textile industry—particularly in garments, technical textiles, and high-value products. He noted that the upcoming PM MITRA Park near Navsari would be a potential game-changer for the sector and promised efforts to fast-track its operationalisation. He highlighted plans to further strengthen Surat's diamond industry, reinforcing the Chamber's role as a catalyst for industrial innovation and international trade expansion. Dignitaries who attended the event included Ashishkumar Chauhan, managing director and CEO of the National Stock Exchange (NSE), Dhaval Patel, Lok Sabha whip and Valsad MP, and Anupam Singh Gahlaut, city police commissioner. Outgoing president Vijay Mevawala presented a detailed account of the chamber's key achievements during his tenure in 2024–25. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Eid wishes , messages , and quotes !
