Shri Modi addresses Sparkle - 2011 in Surat - Part : 1
Shri Modi addresses Sparkle - 2011 in Surat - Part : 2
Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi today urged the Centre to announce proactive policy to encourage Gujaratis bid for buying diamond mines in the world, as they had shown the penchant for buying coal mines abroad.
Inaugurating the Gems and Jewellery International Seminar and Exhibition 'Sparkle-2011' at Surat as part of Vibrant Gujarat Summit-2011, he asked the Gujarati entrepreneurs also to plan in this direction.
Mr. Modi said that traditionally Gujaratis and particularly Suratis have shown a penchant for buying rough diamonds and built a global brand in the highly competitive international diamond trade on the basis of their trust and confidence. They have the capacity to buy diamond mines, too. They only need some incentive. Interestingly, it is the rural artisans who have lent sparkle to the gem.
He said the Gujarat Government is also committed to the promotion and progress of diamond industry and has been consciously trying to project Surat as the diamond capital, 'Sparkle-2011' being a part of that endeavor. He complimented the Southern Gujarat Chamber of Commerce President Ajey Bhattacharya for taking the responsibility of hosting this event in collaboration with the Gujarat Government
However, Mr. Modi regretted that Surat's legitimate claim to an airport has also been getting raw deal for long, hindering the growth of the city as well.
The Chief Minister said that India's growth vision for global economy should be clear, but unfortunately the Centre has not paid any attention towards the same. The Centre's duty is to create atmosphere conducive for growth, not create controversy, he said.
Prominent among those present on the occasion included State Forest Minister Mangubhai Patel, Minister of State for Industries Saurabh Patel, Surat's Mayor Rajendra Desai, Member of Parliament Darshana Jardors and C.R. Patil, legislators, Hira Udyog Mandal President Dinesh Navadiya, Gems and Jewellery Export Council Chairman Chandrakant Shah, Principal Secretary Maheshwar Sahu and Tourism Corporation Managing Director Vipul Mitra, among others.
