Bharat Diamond Bourse, the new diamond trade complex in Mumbai's Bandra-Kurla business district, has opened its doors for business.



According to the Times of India, the Bharat Diamond Bourse (BDB) is the largest diamond exchange in the world, extending over 20 acres and featuring offices in nine nine-floor buildings. The BDB boasts state-of-the-art facilities, central air conditioning, a 4,000-square-meter customs area, and parking for over 2,000 vehicles.



BDB President Anoop Mehta told the Times that all 400 of the country's top diamond exporters – which account for 90% of the diamond trade turnover – had offices in the new bourse, which was designed by well-known architect Balakrishma Doshi and built at a cost of over $200 million.



"The objective is to establish necessary infrastructure facilities for the promotion of diamonds, diamond jewelry from India and provide all support and service facilities to the traders, importers, exporters and other stakeholders," Mehta said.



Mumbai's diamond exchange was established in 1984 and currently has a turnover of $27-28 billion, which the diamond industry hopes will increase by some 10%-15% annually over the next five years.