While the much-hyped Surat Diamond Bourse (SDB) project is yet to take off, the Panama Diamond Exchange (PDE) in Latin America is wooing Indian diamond companies to buy office space at its first dedicated diamond, coloured gemstone and jewellery trading complex in Panama.

Industry sources said that PDE president Erez Akerman is scheduled to visit Mumbai and Surat on July 30, where he will meet with the companies interested in buying office space.

The $200 million Panama Gems and Jewellery Centre project will include an iconic building and state-of-the-art facilities. Construction of the first of two buildings is about 60 percent complete. The two-story facility will serve initially as the headquarters of the diamond exchange, including its administrative offices and 300 square-meter trading floor, as well as providing office space for leasing for local, regional and international companies. A DTC sight holder said, “Panama is located strategically in Latin America. This is the first jewellery center and diamond bourse, which will cater to the whole of Latin America. It is a good option to buy an office space at Panama center.”