Mumbai: India’s Commerce Secretary Mr. Sunil Barthwal visited IIJS Premiere on 6th August at JWCC and NESCO, where he engaged in discussions with international delegations from several countries as well as the GJEPC Committee of Administration (CoA).The Secretary met with more than 150 international delegates attending IIJS Premiere 2023 with the aim of addressing trade challenges, exploring collaborative opportunities, and paving the way for enhanced exports. A few of the countries represented were Turkey, Iran, Nigeria, Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, UAE, Kuwait, Jordan, Japan, and Saudi Arabia. The meeting over lunch with the Council’s CoA touched upon issues such as Export Data Processing and Monitoring System (EDPMS), Duty Drawback, Duty Rationalization with neighboring countries, Skill Development, Lab-grown Diamonds, Trade Shows and more.

Speaking exclusively at the show Mr. Barthwal said, “IIJS is one of the largest exhibitions of gems and jewellery in the world, and we can take pride in what we are doing. This is a very important sector for the Government because it is highly labor-intensive. It generates a huge amount of creativity among our youth and it is linked to not only the people who are cutting and polishing, but also designing jewellery. So I think this is one of the most versatile industries and it’s very important for us. As Government, we’re looking at the whole value chain of gems & jewellery, right from mining to the final selling. In particular, we’re looking to develop the studded diamond jewellery segment which is at the higher value end.”

Mr. Barthwal further added, “We take pride in the fact that India brings value addition to the diverse constituents of the global gem & jewellery industry. Our policies are allied not only to the people who are cutting & polishing diamonds but also those who are bullion traders or designing the jewellery; crafting jewellery and allied industries; the manufacturers and wholesalers in the chain; and those retailers who are selling it to the customer. We want to position India as a hub for training & educating the consumers & trade constituents across the whole value chain.”

Mr. Vipul Shah, Chairman, Gem and Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC), said, “We express our heartfelt gratitude to Sunil Barthwal, Commerce Secretary, Department of Commerce, for taking time out of his busy schedule and attending IIJS Premiere 2023 at both venues at JIO World Convention Centre and Bombay Exhibition Centre, Goregaon. Commerce Secretary’s visit has inspired all the trade constituents especially the MSME jewellers who have participated wholeheartedly in IIJS Premiere 2023. The government has undertaken progressive reforms and several initiatives to boost exports while recognizing the labor-intensive nature of the gem & jewellery sector.  We are grateful to the Union Ministry for its continued support and cooperation with respect to policies on the domestic and international front.”