At the reception hosted by Diamond Dealers Club, following the first India Diamond Week in New York, incoming chairman of the Gems & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) India, Pankaj Kumar Parekh, was presented with an award by Diamond Dealers Club president Reuven Kaufman, and Eli Izhakoff, WFDB and DDC honorary president. DDC’s president introduced Mr. Parekh as “one of the most important people in the Indian diamond industry, and someone who has worked so hard to enhance and improve the industry in India and American-Indian relationships,” he said.%% Mr. Parekh was recognized for his leadership qualities and outstanding efforts to bring closer cooperation between the GJEPC India and the Diamond Dealers Club.Mr. Parekh, spoke of the success of the show, “All our exhibitors are smiling. There is Internet business and online trading, but every diamond dealer feels that one-on-one is definitely better. It was a privilege to be here, to meet our target audience directly and with no interruptions.” He added that the impact of these types of shows on India’s diamond trade can only be positive. %% He added, “India’s largest buyer is always the U.S. We’re happy our old client is gearing up again. The jeweler’s economy is on the way to recovery.” He mentioned that the marketplace is ‘improving’ and “Diamantaires who brought one carat and above to the show, were in greater demand,” he remarked. He said the relationship between GJEPC India and the DDC goes back in history and that ‘The two complement one another.’ Due to the enthusiasm by exhibitors to come back for another show at the DDC soon, Mr. Parekh advised, “We anticipate even greater numbers of attendees next time.”