Viksit Surat For Viksit Bharat:
An Economic Masterplan For Gems & Jewellery Industry Of Surat
The Surat Economic Region (SER) already generates 25% of Gujarat’s GDSP. Now, the plan is to make it a growth hub with special focus on the gems and jewellery industry of the city.
Our Hon'ble Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi once said “Urban planning will determine the fate of our cities in Amrit Kaal and it is only well-planned cities that will determine the fate of India”.
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Surat, which is often referred to as Laghu Bharat (Little India) by our Prime Minister, is the first region to prepare an economic development plan under the guidance of NITI Ayog under the G-Hub Initiative. To break it down, the ‘Economic Development Plan’ for Surat region, which encompasses the districts of Navsari, Bharuch, Dang, Tapi and Valsad was officially launched by the Chief Minister of Gujarat, Shri Bhupendra Patel. One of the main highlights of the plan was that it positions Surat as the driver of Gujarat’s growth which aims to be a 3.5 trillion economy by 2047 and ultimately the driver for India’s growth. This Growth Hub Initiative is an ambitious blueprint focusing on fostering inclusive and sustainable growth.
Image Courtesy: The World Surat
Why SER?
Surat already boasts of a rich entrepreneurial spirit with significant development in textile, diamond and gems and jewellery sector.The city processes over 90% of the world’s rough diamonds, making it a global leader in diamond cutting and polishing. NITI Aayog recognizes this importance and is committed to leveraging Surat’s strengths to expand its industrial base, particularly focusing on the gems and jewellery industry.
The National Institution for Transforming India (NITI Aayog) has identified Surat for the next chapter of transformation. During the launch of the plan, Gujarat’s Chief Minister highlighted that the Vibrant Summit, launched by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi during his tenure as Chief Minister, has established Gujarat as a global hub for manufacturing, automotive, pharmaceuticals, and semiconductors. In this global hub, Surat has played a major role by being the centre for businessmen and industrialists who manage multi-million dollar transactions with remarkable efficiency.
As Mr.Patel said “Gujarat is the growth engine of the country and Gujarat’s growth engine is Surat… [sic].. It is the [sic] responsibility of everyone to ensure that the vision document is realized on ground”
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Transforming vision into a gameplan
NITI Ayog’s goal in order to transform Surat into a growth hub is based on certain pillars that will create an environment where different industries can evolve, modernise, and integrate with emerging global markets.
These includes:
1. INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT
Plans for infrastructure development include enhancing port facilities, road and rail connectivity, and digital infrastructure to ensure seamless access to international markets.
Surat International Airport is on the path to modernization to bolster its capacity for cargo and passenger movement which is a critical development for the gems and jewellery industry that constantly requires international shipping.
2.SKILL DEVELOPMENT AND INNOVATION
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Since one of the key focus of making Surat a growth hub is the gems and jewellery industry, NITI Ayog recognizes the need for a highly skilled workforce to propel the industry forward. The concerned industry will collaborate with educational institutes and training centre’s to enhance skill development and find the right human resources for the sector.
The gems and jewellery sector of Surat has continuously evolved and it aims to foster further innovation in this area by promoting research and development in precision engineering, robotics and 3D printing.
3. SUSTAINABILITY AND GREEN PRACTICES
Surat's development blueprint includes a strong focus on sustainability. The gems and jewellery industry, traditionally energy-intensive, is being encouraged to adopt green practices.
The companies involved in the gems and jewellery sector are already on the path to develop green practices and set their ESG goals which are in alignment with NITI Ayog’s overall vision of making Surat a growth hub.
4. BHARAT BAZAAR
This is a standout initiative that looks at holistic development of the region. It is a dual hub system that aims to cater to both B2B and B2C markets. As per the initiative, the B2B corridor will be strategically located near the high-speed railway corridor while the B2C zone at DREAM city aims to attract global retailers and Indian brands.
The Bharat Bazaar initiative is a vital component of the Growth Hub Plan for Surat’s gems and jewellery sector. The idea is to give the gems and jewellery sector an opportunity to leverage various digital platforms and e-commerce solutions to reach a broader customer base and thereby bolster the economy of the region as a whole.
The Making Of A Global Powerhouse
Image Courtesy: www.wikiwand.com
Image Courtesy: www.wikiwand.com
The gems and jewellery industry of Surat already enjoys a prominent position in the world and right now it can become one of the most significant instruments of driving the state’s and country’s growth.
As the demand for high jewellery increases, especially in emerging markets like South East Asia, Middle East, Surat’s gems and jewellery industry has the potential to transform the whole game, by focusing on its innovation and design.
How can the Gems & Jewellery industry achieve this with the support of NITI Ayog?
1. Jewellery Design and Customization
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Customization is a growing trend in the global jewellery market. Surat’s sector should foster a design culture where artisans and designers can collaborate to create bespoke, high-value jewellery pieces
2. Branding and Global Market Penetration
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The sector can work together with NITI Ayog to increase its presence in the global market and one of the key drivers can actually be Indian high end watch and jewellery brands who can bring in their own version of the label of “Swiss Made”.
3. Digitization of the Gems and Jewellery Supply Chain
The sector, with the right support and guidance can focus on utilizing digital platforms for showcasing jewellery to the global audience, which can enable Surat’s manufacturers to reach more global customers.
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With a roadmap to become a $1.3 trillion economy and generate around 34 lakh jobs, the diamond city can well be on its way to revolutionise the way the world views Surat and the country at large.
When India celebrates 100 years of independence in 2047, Surat will have written its own chapter in the new tryst with destiny for the nation.