Surat: A meeting of diamond traders specialising in light brown (LB) quality diamonds was held at the Surat Diamond Bourse (SDB) on Wednesday, drawing participation from nearly 400 traders and brokers. The gathering was convened to encourage members of the LB trading community to gradually shift their business operations to the SDB.At present, most LB diamond traders operate from Surat’s traditional trading hubs in Mahidharpura and the Mini Bazaar markets. Organisers said the meeting focused on showcasing the world-class infrastructure available at the bourse and highlighting the advantages of conducting trade from a centralised facility.During the session, participants were briefed about the SDB’s operational ecosystem, including the availability of offices and cabins, seamless connectivity, security features, and the overall benefits of operating within a dedicated diamond trading complex. Discussions also underscored how relocating to the bourse could streamline business activities and provide better access to a larger network of manufacturers, traders, and brokers functioning under one roof.“Considering the future growth prospects, it is time we move to modern infrastructure from the unorganised market setups. The furniture work in my office is in its final stage, and I plan to shift in May,” said Suresh Shah, a diamond trader.Following the meeting, the top eight LB traders assured that they would begin operations at the SDB by May. Additionally, around 70 other traders and brokers are expected to commence trading from the bourse in the near term, indicating growing momentum within the LB segment towards relocation.Currently, nearly 200 offices and cabins at the Surat Diamond Bourse are occupied.“One segment of white diamond traders has already started operating from the SDB, and now LB traders have also expressed interest. Representatives from deputy CM Harsh Sanghavi’s office were present at the meeting and assured traders that any issues faced during the transition would be addressed,” said Lalji Patel, vice-chairman of SDB.
