Smolensk region’s governor Vasily Anokhin discussed the prospects for the region's diamond cutting and polishing industry at a meeting with Russian deputy finance minister Alexey Moiseyev.
The largest cutting enterprise in Russia, Kristall, which is part of the ALROSA group, is located in the Smolensk region.
"The Smolensk region remains the center of this high-tech industry," TASS quotes the governor's channel on Telegram. "In the face of external challenges, we are actively looking for ways to improve this area."
He added that during the meeting, parties discussed the possibility of creating a new diamond manufacturing cluster and the development of professional competencies in this segment.
"It will increase the competitive advantages of Russian enterprises in the diamond cutting industry. By creating such an enterprise in the region, we will be able to ensure long-term rough diamond supply contracts with ALROSA. Thanks to this, the industry in the region will be able to develop consistently over the next 5 - 10 years," Anoshin wrote.
He added that the Smolensk Regional Technological Academy is implementing various training programs for jewellers and diamond cutters. ALROSA is directly involved in this process, signing targeted contracts with students and guaranteeing their employment after completing studies.
Theodor Lisovoy, Managing Editor, Rough&Polished
