The upcoming Gem and Jewellery Park at Ichhapore in Surat, India, is experiencing an increased interest by gem and jewellery companies intending to set up their manufacturing units in the park, reports say. The market positivity with growing global demand for gems and jewellery is prompting the companies to plan setting up their units in the park. Previously, the economic slowdown had influenced some companies to back out from their plans. %% The Gem and Jewellery Park project, spearheaded by the Gujarat Hira Bourse, is planned over 10 lakh sq. mtrs and will offer a special economic zone and a tariff area. This eco-friendly park is expected to house about 350 jewellery manufacturing units, along with a trading house, training centre, convention hall, museum and other facilities. The project had begun in 2004 and was slated to be completed within three years, but the timelines have stretched. Now, the park is likely to be semi-operational by year-end, and is being positioned to establish an image of Surat as the leading manufacturing centre in the gem and jewellery industry.