The Israel Diamond Institute Group of Companies (IDI) has declared 2008 as the "Year of India" and is encouraging Israeli companies to explore business opportunities in this rapidly developing domestic market. Due to the importance Israel places on the bilateral trade relations between the two countries, the Ambassador of Israel in India Mark Sofer and the Consul General Orna Sagiv will visit the show as guests of IDI. "This will be our first foray into the Indian market, as part of our overall strategy for the region. From our meetings with Indian diamond and jewelry merchants we know that there is a great deal of interest in the Israeli goods. We compliment the Indian industry, rather than compete with it and this can be beneficial to both sides. We hope to enhance our ties with the Indian industry and make new connections," IDI MD Eli Avidar said.
The Israeli Diamond Industry is exhibiting for the first time in India's main gem and jewelry event, the India International Jewelry Show (IIJS), which is being held from 7-11August, 2008 in Mumbai. This is the first time that the Israeli industry, which is exhibiting in a national pavilion, is participating in this show.
The Israeli Diamond Industry Pavilion, organized by IDI, will feature 24 leading Israeli diamond manufacturers and exporters who will exhibit their loose diamonds and diamond jewellery collections. The Israeli pavilion is one of seven national pavilions-from Italy, Belgium, Thailand, Japan, Dubai and Turkey.
"The Indian consumer market shows tremendous potential. Indians traditionally have designed, created and consumed diamond and gem-studded jewelry. We are very excited to participate in this show and look forward to creating mutually beneficial business ties with the Indian diamond industry," said IDI Chairman and President of the Israel Diamond Manufacturers Association (IsDMA) Moti Ganz.