Gems and jewellery will be a major focus at a ‘Country Seminar’ on UAE-India trade as part of the Vibrant Gujarat Summit that will be held from January 10-12, in Gandhinagar, capital of India’s Gujarat state, a report said.

Started in 2003, the biennial summit has become one of India’s most important global forums for creating strategic business partnerships, inclusive growth and knowledge sharing, Emirates News Agency, WAM, said in a report.

Trade finance, investment facilitation and start-up opportunities will be the other focus areas at the Country Seminar on UAE-India trade.

The government of Gujarat has released a stellar list of Indian representatives from the government, trade, industry, technology and specialised businesses, who will participate in the seminar. The Indian delegation will be led by Piyush Goyal, India’s Minister for Commerce and Industry.

The Gujarat gems summit acquires importance as Surat, a major city in the state, is the world’s largest diamond trading hub and home to the world’s largest office building, the Surat Diamond Bourse.

Vipul Bansal, Joint Secretary in India’s Department of Commerce, will lead the discussions on the prospects of future gems and jewellery trade with the UAE.

Tapan Ray, Group CEO of Gandhinagar’s GIFT City, will also play a major role at the Country Seminar. Gujarat International Finance Tech-City (GIFT City) is being promoted as an international financial services centre by the state government.