Archive · 3 Dec 2025
GJEPC forms non-profit for Surat diamond trade
The Gems and Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) has created a new company called SMDO to help small and medium-sized diamond businesses in Surat, India.
Surat is a big place for cutting and polishing diamonds.
The new company will buy rough diamonds from Botswana and give them to these businesses at good prices.
This will help them get the diamonds they need to make polished diamonds.
The idea is to support these smaller businesses and make the diamond trade smoother.
Many people in Surat work in this industry, so this is a big deal for them.
GJEPC formed a subsidiary non-profit, SMDO, to purchase rough diamonds from Botswana's ODC and distribute them to small- and medium-sized diamond merchants in Surat.
Surat is a major hub for diamond cutting and polishing, with over 4,000 companies and 5 lakh people employed in the industry.
GJEPC leaders discussed rough diamond supply possibilities with Botswana officials during a recent visit with the President of India.
SMDO will collect demand for rough diamonds from members and distribute them at preferred rates, benefiting small and medium manufacturers.
The initiative aims to support the natural diamond industry, which has faced declining global demand due to recent conflicts and US tariffs.
- Who
- Gems and Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC)
- What
- Formed a subsidiary non-profit firm, SMDO, to purchase and distribute rough diamonds
- When
- Tuesday (specific date not mentioned)
- Where
- Surat, India
- Why
- To support small- and medium-sized diamond merchants in Surat by providing access to rough diamonds from Botswana
- Organization
- Gems and Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC)
- Subsidiary
- Small Medium Development Organisation (SMDO)
- Purpose
- Purchase and distribute rough diamonds to small- and medium-sized merchants
- Location
- Surat, India
- Diamond Source
- Okavango Diamond Company (ODC), Botswana
- Number of Diamond Companies in Surat
- Over 4,000
- Employment in Surat's Diamond Industry
- Over 5 lakh people