The Bharat Diamond Bourse was honoured to host the first ever official delegation from Namibia to India led by Ms. Gaudentia Krohne, Hon’ble Deputy Minister, Ministry of Industries, Mines and Energy, Government of Namibia.
The delegation’s six-day visit to interact with the diamond industry in India culminated in the Hon’ble Dy. Minister’s presence as Chief Guest at the official celebrations of India’s 80th Independence Day held at the BDB on August 15.
Speaking on the solemn occasion, Ms Krohne stressed that while the two countries had always had close ties, this was the first ever direct interaction at an industry-to-industry level. “We are proud to be present here to celebrate the 80th anniversary of Indian independence and are confident that this first step will help us deepen our bonds and ensure a mutually beneficial collaboration between the diamond and jewellery industries in our two countries,” she said.
Anoop Mehta, said, “It was BDB’s privilege to play host to the Namibian delegation led by Hon. Dy Minister Ms Krohne and to have them join all Indian’s in celebrating Independence day at BDB. Partnerships established at the industry level will definitely strengthen the economies of both India and Namibia.”
Thanking the Namibian delegation for visiting BDB and various other segments of the diamond ecosystem in India, Mehul Shah, VP, BDB said, “The visit has established an important foundation to further develop the direct connect between Indian diamond manufacturers and the mining companies of Namibia. We believe that strengthening direct collaboration between mining and manufacturing segments and extending it across the pipeline will give a boost to the global diamond industry.”
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE VISIT
Interaction with Trade Leadership: The delegation had extensive discussions with leaders of the Indian diamond industry including the BDB and GJEPC committees and the jewellery manufacturers at SEEPZ focusing on their strengths and capabilities. They expressed interest in exploring avenues for further cooperation and strengthening ties.
Visit to IDTC: Hon’ble Dy Min Krohne and her team visited India Diamond Trading Centre (IDTC), a Special Notified Zone (SNZ) for rough-diamond viewing and trading within the BDB complex. They expressed interest in exploring direct supply of Namibian rough diamonds to BDB members through this facility, after learning that recent amendments to tax laws would exempt companies selling rough diamonds in SNZs from income tax for a 15-year period.
Special Economic Zones: The delegation visited SEEPZ where they interacted with officials to understand its ecosystem and operations, as well as leading jewellery manufacturers. They expressed appreciation of the Mega Common Facilities Centre (Mega CFC), Bharat Ratnam attached to the Zone where companies gain access to machines using the most highly advanced technology available.
Special Interaction: In addition, the Namibian delegation also spent time in studying other facets of the export ecosystem such as laboratories like GIA and focused bodies like Diamond India Ltd.
The Minister and her colleagues met with Indian diamantaires who have established business connections with Namibia through the diamond trade.
This direct experience of the world-class infrastructure, integrated ecosystem, and facilities within the Bourse complex that facilitate smooth import and export of rough, as well as the advanced manufacturing systems used in the manufacture of world class jewellery gave them a first-hand understanding of the size, scale and quality of India’s industry.
The Namibian delegation comprised:
1) Gaudentia Krohne – Member of Parliament, Hon’ble Deputy Minister, Ministry of Industries, Mines and Energy, Namibia
2) Rehabeam Nepaya (Deputy Director, Diamond Affairs, Namibia;
3) Debbie Tiboth (Snr. Private Secretary to Minister)
4) Ms Secret Ruhaka (Diamond Inspector)
5) Titus Amukwelele (Diamond Inspector)
6) Teopolina Hasheela (Senior Public Relations Officer)
7) Balchand Jain (Honorary Consul of Namibia in Mumbai)
Offical Facebook account of heerazhaveraat.com, homepage for Trade News, Articles and Promotion of D
Divine Solitaires honoured leading partner jewelers from across India at IIJS Premiere 2026, alongside the first weekly lucky draw of TSFI's Wood Jubilee edition.
#divinesolitaires #hzinternational #iijspremiere #heerazhaveraat #luckydraw
✨ A moment to remember at IIJS Premiere 2026!
Proud to be part of Jewellers for Hope, bringing the jewellery community together for a meaningful cause. Grateful to be part of this special initiative.
#iijspremiere2026 #uniquechains #jewellersforhope #gjepc #iijs2026
Heera Zhaveraat (HZ International) A Diamond, Watch and Jewellery Trade Promotion Magazine provide dealers and manufactures with the key analytical information they need to succeed in the luxury industry. Pricing, availability and market information in the Magazine provides a critical edge.
