Anand Sharma calls for institutional linkages with Antwerp world diamond centre

Belgium, Aug 2 (ANI): Commerce and Industry Minister Anand Sharma has called for institutional linkages between the Antwerp World Diamond Centre (AWDC) and diamond facilities in India.

During a bilateral meeting with Didier Reynders, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade and European Affairs, Belgium, here today, Sharma also discussed the scope of AWDC organising training / graduation courses in gemology and cutting and sorting of rough and polished diamonds/ gem stones.

He said this would enhance the manufacturing capacity and productivity in this sector, which in turn would benefit the Antwerp diamond industry too.

Sharma also emphasised that trade between both countries is dominated at present by the gems and jewellery sector, which accounts for about 69.84 per cent.

Reynders also conveyed keen desire to cooperate in this area.

Further asserting that Belgium is an important trading partner for India, Sharma expressed satisfaction over the growing trade and investment between the two countries in the face of the global financial slowdown.

However, both ministers noted that there is scope for improvement.

In the year 2011, the bilateral trade between India and Belgium was USD 17.755 billion, which increased from USD12.298 billion in 2010.

It is to be noted that the exports in the year 2010 were USD 4.854 billion, which increased to USD 7.397 billion in 2011. On the other hand, imports in the year 2010 were USD 7.444 billion, which also increased to USD 10.358 billion in 2011. (ANI)