The Gujarat government is planning to set up gems testing laboratories across the state in a run-up to the Vibrant Gujarat Global Investors Summit 2009.

The state is planning to tie up with Gemological Institute of America (GIA). The world’s largest non-profit institute for gemological research, GIA, offers grading services to gems and jewellery players across the world.

The institute will now hallmark products of the industry in the state.

“The state already has a jewellery testing laboratory and grading system through some private companies and Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). Since we are hoping to attract investments worth over Rs 500 crore during Vibrant Gujarat, an international standard of grading is imperative to lure foreign buyers. We are looking to set up a gems testing laboratory in collaboration with domestic players,” said Chandan Chatterjee, general manager, projects and technology, Industrial Extension Bureau (iNDEXTb).

Each of these laboratories will be set up at an investment of around Rs 1 crore, partly supported by the state government. Apart from Surat, Ahmedabad, Jamnagar and Rajkot are likely to house these centres.

The government plans to organise an exhibition of gems and jewellery in the first week of October to showcase the growth of the industry.

One of the main objectives behind organising the exhibition would be to attract Gujarati expatriates in the field of gems and jewellery, added Chatterjee.

In order to develop inclusive manpower in the jewellery sector, the government plans to create more gems and jewellery parks across the state.

Moreover, the state will also be upgrading training institutes in cities such as Rajkot and Ahmedabad.

Source: business-standard