H.E. Mr Didier Vanderhaselt Ambassador of Belgium to India and H.E. Mr Frank Geerkens, Consulate General of Belgium in Mumbai visit Bharat Diamond Bourse [BDB]

H.E. Mr Didier Vanderhaselt Ambassador of Belgium to India and H.E. Mr Frank Geerkens, Consulate General of Belgium in Mumbai visited the world’s largest Diamond Exchange, the Bharat Diamond Bourse in Mumbai and were introduced to the world class Infrastructure, state of the art security systems and the sophisticated In House customs department among the many other facilities housed within the bourse. During his maiden visit H.E. Mr Didier Vanderhaselt got an insight into the very working of the bourse and the cutting edge systems that has been implemented within. The Ambassador was welcomed by Mr Anoop Mehta, President BDB, Mr Mehul Shah Vice President BDB and the working committee members.

Belgium has always been a second home for the Indian Diamond community for close to a century and the relationship between the two large Diamond economies has only strengthened with time. History is witness to the long standing trade partnership between Belgium and India. In the Bi lateral trade agreements that have been signed between the two countries, Diamonds have always fared foremost. The Ambassador as well as the Consulate General were taken on a tour within the bourse and were showcased the In House customs department, the IDTC [India Diamond Trading Centre], Trading hall, banking services and food courts & other facilities within the premise.

In his first address to bourse members and committee, H.E. Mr Didier Vanderhaselt reiterated on the strong bond that both Belgium and India shared most importantly because of the Diamond Trade which is only growing. He also added that “I think that it is very important we make sure that International trade in natural Diamonds is transparent, reliable and sustainable and both Belgium and India share a strong and ethical bond in the Diamond business and I am indeed proud of it”. He opined that it was indeed a pleasure for him to have toured the Bharat Diamond Bourse and got a firsthand view and understanding of the world class Infrastructure and facilities that have been housed within.

Mr Anoop Mehta, President Bharat Diamond Bourse stated “It is indeed a historic day today that we have H.E. Mr Didier Vanderhaselt Ambassador of Belgium to India and H.E. Mr Frank Geerkens, Consulate General of Belgium in Mumbai visiting the Bharat Diamond Bourse and we do hope that this visit will become significant in time to come with respect to the growing relationship and bond that India shares with Belgium and more specifically Antwerp in terms of the Diamond trade”.

Mr Mehul Shah, Vice President Bharat Diamond Bourse said, “It is indeed our pleasure to welcome H.E. Mr Didier Vanderhaselt Ambassador of Belgium to India and H.E. Mr Frank Geerkens, Consulate General of Belgium in Mumbai to BDB and introduce them to our state of the art facilities. The Diamond fraternity of India shares a unique bond with Belgium and Antwerp that has been demonstrated over close to a century and is only growing. We do appreciate all the encouragement and support that we have received from Belgium and the esteemed Belgian authorities which I feel has gone a long way in strengthening the ties between our two countries”.