Mumbai: Mr. Suresh Prabhu, Union Minister for Commerce & Industry & Civil Aviation through a tele-video address, along with Mr. Gaetano Cavalieri, President of CIBJO, Mr. Pramod Agrawal (Chairman, GJEPC), Mr. Colin Shah Vice Chairman, GJEPC), Shri Shailesh Sangani,(Convener, National Exhibitions GJEPC) Mr. Sabyasachi Ray (ED, GJEPC) , today inaugurated the prestigious 35th edition of the India International Jewellery Show (IIJS). Organised by the Gems & Jewellery Export Promotion COUNCIL (GJEPC) the IIJS 2018 is set to showcase India’s leadership role in the gem and jewellery sector between 9th August – 13th August, 2018 ensuring around 35000 domestic and international footfalls at Bombay Exhibition Centre, Goregaon.
The grand event will augment India’s position as the top jewellery manufacturing hub in the world. A special preview day on 8th August for International buyers and select leading retailers, buyers, retail chains and industry leaders set the tone for the mega event. In order to facilitate business development, an online business matching program with knowledge seminars in tow have been scheduled for international buyers and exhibitors. The organisers have introduced Hall 7 A with 10800 Sq mtrs of area thus offering 800 new booths for the ease of interaction between the public and buyers on a large spatial platform. One of the unique aspects of the show is the computer aided 3D manufacturing and designing methods that will be on display at the exhibition.
IIJS will feature well defined sections across Diamonds, Gemstones, Gold and studded Jewellery segments. The event is poised to witness more than 1300+ exhibitors, 2500+ stalls and is expected to draw 35000+ visitors from 800+ cities, towns, pan India and 80+ countries. Exclusive international pavilion has been set up for showcasing trends and items for Thailand, UAE, Malaysia, Turkey and Italy. In addition to this, international delegations from Australia, UK, USA, China, Sri Lanka, Iran along with Bangladesh and Malaysia are making it to India’s flagship Gem & Jewellery Show.
Mr. Suresh Prabhu, in his video recorded speech, thanked the GJEPC for ensuring a trade fair of such global scale and scope in keeping with the PM’s thrust on boosting exports. India is set to have its first domestic Gold Council. On the side of exports and jewellery promotion, the GJEPC has always initiated proactive steps which are seminal in nature.”
The minister also said that an ad hoc committee would be formed by way of handpicked people from the industry in keeping with the “Mines to Market” idea involving near-total representation of relevant people from the metro and the villages around and across.
Mr. Gaetano Cavalieri said, “GJEPC and its activities are very central to India’s unique position globally in the business of gem and jewellery. We cannot go forward without India and hence look forward to fostering and maintaining a deep engagement with the GJEPC.”
Mr. Pramod Agrawal, Chairman, GJEPC, said, “Over the years IIJS has played a crucial role in taking the gem & jewellery exports to a new level by showcasing India’s manufacturing capabilities to a host of buyers from across the world. Today, it’s a USD 41 billion industry annually and our vision is to take the exports to USD 60 billion by 2022; and we have started a series of initiatives to achieve our goal. Setting up Common Facility Centers (CFCs) and Jewellery Parks at all major gem & jewellery clusters in India. I believe this would not only take the industry to a new level in terms of exports but also improve the living standards of the workers in the industry.”
Mr. Colin Shah, Vice-Chairman, GJEPC, said, “GJEPC is poised to give and sustain a positive momentum that the gem and jewellery sector is in need of at this point of time. We are launching an International Campaign, featuring the India’s skills and capabilities in manufacturing world class jewllery. GJEPC is prepared to lead from the front when it comes to promotion of exports and cradling other development related activities that the Council stands and vouches for.”
GJEPC also organized CSR initiative “Jewellers for Hope” Charity dinner on the evening of 9th August at Hotel JW Marriot, Mumbai. This year the proceeds of Rs. 1 Cr shall go to Voluntary Action Association/ Bachpan Bachao Andolan run by Nobel Prize winner Mr. Kailash Satyarthiworking with a mission to end all forms of exploitation of Children in India; Giants Welfare International run by Social Activist Ms. Shaina NC. working with an objective to carry, support, maintain, assist and promote Social Services and Projects in India and abroad; Celebrities who graced the event were Mrs. Shilpa Shetty, Mr. Zaheer Khan, and Ms Manisha Koirala. They all were representing Giants Welfare International; Bhagwan Mahaveer Viklang Sahayta Samiti or Jaipur Foot run under the supervision of Padma Bhushan Recipient, Mr. D.R. Mehta and working with an objective of to provide mobility and dignity to the handicapped.
