Global Stone Technology Forum was inaugurated by Mrs. Vasundhara Raje, Chief Minister Rajasthan. Mr. Narpat Singh Rajvi, Minister for Industry, Government of Rajasthan, Mr. Laxmi Narain Dave, Minister for Mines, Govt. of Rajasthan graced the occasion. Mr. R. Veeramani, Chairman Granite, Natural Stones and Product Panel, CAPEXIL, Mr. Raj Rewal, renowned architect were also present. Mr. Ashok Sampatram, Principal Secretary Industries, Government of Rajasthan, Mr. Sunil Arora, Chairman, RIICO & CDOS, Mr. Kuldeep Ranka, MD, RIICO and many senior officers from Government of India, State Government, various International and National agencies and trade representatives witnessed the inauguration of this mega event.

In her inaugural address, The Chief Minister announced that a comprehensive long-term mining policy for the state would be finalized soon. Mrs. Raje appreciated organizers for organizing the global conference, which would create awareness amongst the participants and other stakeholders of the industry for adopting best global practices for quarrying, processing and use of stone for various applications.

Mr. Laxmi Narain Dave, Minister for Mines, Government of Rajasthan highlighted the mineral wealth of the state in general and that of dimensional stones in particular. Mr. Dave emphasized the need to focus on modernizing mining to make it more competitive.

Mr. Narpat Singh Rajvi, Minister for Industries, Government of Rajasthan informed about the development of 3 clusters of stones. He further emphasized on importance of value addition in Indian products, public- private partnership in stone sector and need to reduce wastage during mining and processing of stones. He also pointed that we have to protect the environment but also the local population, which survives on this trade.

Mr. R. Veeramani, Chairman Granite, Natural Stones and Product Panel, CAPEXIL, emphasized on coexistence of mining activity with preservation of natural resources, environment and ecology of the country. He further advocated branding of Indian stones in the world market and to curb the practices of price-cutting by fellow exporters.

Speaking on the occasion, Arch. Raj Rewal said a very beautiful thing, all civilizations identify themselves in different way. We do it with stones but at the same time he emphasized that we have to evolve from our glorious past and do something for our future too.