Hubli can become hub of jewellery export, says Srikar

Hubli can become hub of jewellery export, says Srikar
The Hindu

HUBLI: Deputy Commissioner M.S. Srikar has said that Hubli has the potential to become the hub of jewellery export if efforts are made to take the benefit of the geographical advantage it has.

He was speaking at the valedictory function of the "Gems and diamonds grading and identification courses" organised by the Export Promotion Council of the Karnataka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) here on Tuesday.

Karwar, which is a major centre of jewellery manufacturing, is close to Hubli, he said.

Jewellery manufactured in Karwar is being exported either through Mumbai or Bangalore. Hubli should tap this potential, Mr. Srikar said.

Ruben Hobday, Regional Director of the Gems and Jewellery Export Promotion Council of Chennai, said the council will organise more programmes in north Karnataka to promote jewellery export.

K.K. Sharma, Executive Director of the Indian Diamond Institute (IDI) of Surat, said the institute will conduct the course again in January along with an awareness programme on "Gold hallmarking."

Shankaranna Munavalli, President of the KCCI, welcomed the gathering. Kumar Tiwari, Manager of the council, compered.

Mahendra Ladhad, Honorary Secretary, proposed a vote of thanks.

During the programme, a suggestion on setting up a gems and diamond testing laboratory at the council of the KCCI came from the dignitaries.

Office-bearers of the KCCI responded favourably stating that they will submit a proposal in this regard to the Government and make efforts to set up the laboratory with the help of jewellers from north Karnataka and the IDI.

Mr. Sharma and Mr. Srikar said that they will take steps in this regard.