HRD Antwerp Steps Up India Presence

RAPAPORT... HRD Antwerp is expanding its presence in India with a newlocation at the Santacruz Electronic Export Processing Zone (SEEPZ) in Mumbai, andanother one in the Bharat Diamond Bourse (BDB). The Belgium-based diamond-certification and trainingfacility announced plans last week to launch a grading lab in the SEEPZjewelry-manufacturing hub, home to a large number of jewelry exporters. SEEPZis a designated area in Mumbai where certain tax exemptions are in effect. "Our customers will have safe, reliable and easy access toour services," said Ravi Chhabria, managing director of HRD Antwerp India. "Ourlaboratory has the know-how and tools to thoroughly analyze jewelry, and toprovide a general description of the jewel, the quality of diamonds itcontains, and the precious metals of which it is made." HRD Antwerp's new office in the BDB, meanwhile, will offerjewelers in the bourse quicker service than the current office in the nearbyIL&FS Centre, Chhabria added. In addition to being able to drop off stonesfor grading, they will have access to color pre-investigation and screening.