New York: The incoming chairman of India’s Gems & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC), Pankaj Kumar Parekh, was presented with an award by Reuven Kaufman, president of the Diamond Dealers Club, and Eli Izhakoff, WFDB and DDC honorary president, at a reception in honor of the first India Diamond Week in New York, reports idexonline.
Parekh was recognized for his leadership qualities on behalf of the diamond industry and for his outstanding efforts to bring about closer cooperation between the GJEPC India and the Diamond Dealers Club.
Kaufman said Parekh was “one of the most important people in the Indian diamond industry, and someone who has worked so hard to enhance and improve the industry in India and American-Indian relationships”.
Meanwhile, Parekh said it was a privilege to be at the DDC and that he accomplished his goals for the show. “All our exhibitors are smiling. There is Internet business and online trading, but every diamond dealer feels that one-on-one is definitely better.
“It was a privilege to be here, to meet our target audience directly and with no interruptions.” He added that the impact of such shows on India’s diamond trade would be positive.
Speaking about international trade and the importance of the American market, Parekh said: “India’s largest buyer is always the U.S. We’re happy our old client is gearing up again. The jewelry market is on the way to recovery. As the U.S. economy improves, it’s always to our advantage.”
He spoke about the symbiotic relationship between the GJEPC and the DDC. “The two complement one another. Our relationship goes back a long time. It’s very old and we are sure it will last a long time.”
He also highlighted trends in the marketplace and the success of the show for exhibitors. “The marketplace is improving. Diamantaires who brought one carat and above to the show, were in great demand,” he remarked.
Speaking of the enthusiasm of Indian exhibitors to come back for another show at the DDC soon, he commented, “We anticipate even greater numbers of attendees next time.”
