Why Surat is Diamond Hub?
Surat has earned the title of “Diamond Hub” because it is one of the world’s largest centers for diamond cutting and polishing. The city’s prominence in the diamond industry can be traced to several key factors:
- High Volume of Diamond Processing: Surat processes around 90% of the world’s rough diamonds. The city is known for its large number of diamond polishing units, which employ skilled labor to transform raw diamonds into finished, polished gems.
- Skilled Workforce: Surat has developed a vast pool of skilled labor over time, particularly in diamond cutting and polishing. Many workers in Surat come from generations of diamond polishers, creating a deep expertise that attracts businesses and investors from around the world.
- Efficient Infrastructure: The city has developed a robust infrastructure for the diamond industry, including state-of-the-art technology and machinery, which enables faster and more precise processing of diamonds.
- Global Trade Network: Surat has strong connections to global markets, particularly in major diamond trading hubs like Antwerp, Dubai, and Tel Aviv. This has helped it become a key player in the diamond supply chain.
- Cost Advantage: Surat offers competitive pricing in comparison to other diamond processing centers, primarily due to lower labor costs, making it a favorable location for diamond merchants and traders.
- Cluster Effect: With the concentration of so many diamond-related businesses in Surat, there’s a “cluster effect,” where the presence of numerous suppliers, traders, and service providers in one place creates a vibrant and efficient ecosystem.
These factors combined have made Surat the leading global hub for diamond cutting and polishing, earning it the well-deserved nickname of the “Diamond City.”