Gem and jewellery companies at the Israeli Diamond Industry are preparing to participate for the second time at the India International Jewelry Show (IIJS), slated from August 6 – 10, 2009 in Mumbai. Eli Avidar, Managing Director of the Israel Diamond Institute Group of Companies (IDI) explains that this year’s participation is part of IDI’s ongoing outreach to the Indian market. “Last year we declared that 2008 was the ‘Year of India’ for the Israeli Diamond Industry, and we encouraged Israeli companies to explore business opportunities in the growing Indian market. We believe in the great potential of this enormous market and IDI is working actively to enhance the ties between the diamond industries of Israel and India.”

The Israeli companies will participate at the IDI Pavilion. Pre-event feedback from some companies indicates an optimism that the IIJS 2009 would bring in good business. Yair Saada of Julius Klein Eliaz Diamonds believes that the Indian market is waking up, based on his experience at the Hong Kong show in June. “There was relatively good traffic of Indian buyers at that show, so we believe we’ll see a lot of activity in Mumbai. We’ve already set up appointments with some clients, and in addition we will be sending out an email blast to advise potential clients that we will be at the show.”

Shlomo Bichachi of Bichachi Diamonds opines that his merchandise of small fancy diamonds is a perfect complement to the Indian goods, and has decided to double the size of his booth, anticipating a show better than 2008. Emanuel Namdar of SN Asia is expecting at least 50 meetings with retailers at the show.

IDI Chairman and President of the Israel Diamond Manufacturers Association Moti Ganz assures that “India is a market with great potential and a long tradition of creating and buying jewellery. We believe that participation in IIJS is important for the Israeli Diamond Industry and we intend to participate every year.” At the booth, IDI is arranging to familiarise buyers with Israeli Diamond Industry, and the advantage of business with Israel. It will also register industry members for the Israeli Diamond Industry portal site.