The 11th edition of India Stonemart has generated business and trade inquiries worth INR 1200 crore for Rajasthan.

As many as 1400 B2B meetings were held with 116 buyers and 30,000 visitors from 19 countries at Jaipur Exhibition & Convention Centre (JECC) in the past four days, Shivprasad Nakate, managing director of Rajasthan State Industrial Development and Investment Corporation Ltd (RIICO), said during a valedictory session last evening.

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Nakate said despite the Covid-19 pandemic, the Stonemart-2022 has witnessed encouraging participation from exhibitors and traders with a total exhibit area of 13832 sq. m. There were 348 exhibitors, pavilions of three countries, Iran, Portugal, and Turkey, as well as two state pavilions of Gujarat and Odisha, he added.

Chairman of RIICO and Centre for Development of Stones (CDOS), Kuldeep Ranka said that owing to path-breaking policies in Rajasthan, there was a whopping growth rate of 535 percent in Industrial investment in the state.

Ranka further elaborated that together the States of Rajasthan, Maharashtra, and Gujarat account for 75% of industrial investment in the country. Even though Gujarat and Maharashtra have an advantage of coastline over Rajasthan, the latter still attracts huge industrial investments and has become a role model for other states, he added.

Saying that the Indianisation of machinery has helped in reducing the cost and expanding the industry, Ranka said, “This is a testament to the technological advancement in our country. Stones have a huge role to play in preserving our history and keeping our culture alive”.

Stonemart also witnessed good participation of machinery and tools and earth-moving equipment manufacturers and technology providers as well. This is expected to result in technology tie-ups and the adoption of newer and latest techniques and technologies in mining, processing, value addition, etc.

Rajasthan Industries Minister Shakuntla Rawat said, in the past editions, the 11th Stonemart has been fruitful in the exchange of ideas, creation of direct business links, and growth of the stone market for both buyers and sellers. She announced that the 12th edition of India Stonemart will be held from 1 to 4 February 2024.

The Minister also gave away 37 Awards in 19 Categories for Best Display as well as Innovative Handicraft Products in different categories. The Award for the best overall display was bagged by Suzuki Industries.