Mumbai: GJEPC, the apex body of the gem & jewellery trade, recently elected its new Board of Committee of Administration (COA) members for the tenure of 2022 to 2024. Mr. Vipul Shah is the new Chairman of GJEPC, and Mr. Kirit Bhansali is the new Vice Chairman.

With headquarters in Mumbai, GJEPC has Regional Offices in New Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai, Surat and Jaipur, all of which are major centres for the industry. To represent these regions, GJEPC has elected the following regional chairmen: Mr. Ashok Seth, Regional Chairman, Northern Region; Mr. Mitesh Gajera, Regional Chairman, Western Region; Mr. Vijay Mangukiya, Regional Chairman, Gujarat Region; Mr. Nirmal Bardiya, Regional Chairman, Rajasthan Region; Mr. Pankaj Parekh, Regional Chairman, Eastern Region; and Mr. Princeson Jose, Regional Chairman, Southern Region.

Mr. Vipul Shah, Chairman, GJEPC said, “This is my second term as GJEPC Chairman and I am elated to have a committed and a very dynamic team on board. The committee is all geared up to drive the vision and export targets of USD 46 Bn set by the Govt of India . The efforts would be concerted towards making India the leading supplier of choice for gem and jewellery retailers across the globe”

Mr. Ashok Seth, Regional Chairman, Northern Region stated, “As the Regional Chairman of the Northern Region, GJEPC, my aim is to increase exports from the North and contribute to India’s overall gem & jewellery exports. I understand there is a pressing need to convince manufacturers, who primarily cater to the domestic market, to tap overseas markets. And to further the cause, we plan to hold seminars and outreach programmes to create awareness about the government schemes and benefits that exporters can avail. As an apex body, we want to help our members in resolving issues and ensure smooth functioning of the industry.”

Mr. Mitesh Gajera, Regional Chairman, Western Region said, “I am honoured to be elected as the Western Regional Chairman for the term 2022-24. We have a vision to develop the Western Region in a significant way for the development of trade and industry. Our top priority is to streamline the process of import and export at Customs, timely evaluation of goods, hand carriage from Mumbai airport, export of jewellery through courier mode and infrastructure development to promote MSMEs and enhancement of technology and innovation, digitalisation of process and focus on one district – one product to contribute to the growth of India’s economy to achieve our Hon’ble Prime Minister’s vision of an Aatmanirbhar Bharat.”

Mr. Vijay Mangukiya, Regional Chairman, Gujarat Region said, “I would like to thank the diamond and jewellery industry of Gujarat for showing trust in me and electing me as the Regional Chairman Gujarat, GJEPC. I strongly believe that Gujarat has immense potential to be the world leader in many of the gem and jewellery segments – just like it has secured the top global spot in the natural diamonds category. The skill-oriented industry of diamond manufacturing is serving the world since ages. My aim as Regional Chairman would be to encourage small manufacturers and traders of Gujarat to start exports. I will ensure that all the new as well as existing exporters contribute towards the overall export goal set by our Hon’ble Prime Minister.”

Mr. Nirmal Bardiya, Regional Chairman, Rajasthan Region, “I’m delighted to be re-elected to the post of Regional Director for the Rajasthan Region. I remain committed to the goal of raising Rajasthan’s pre-eminence in the manufacture and export of coloured gemstones, studded & handcrafted silver jewellery, kundan-meena and several other product categories that the region is famous for. The rough gemstone sourcing shows organised by GJEPC in Jaipur have improved the industry’s access to consistent supply, especially for the smaller MSME players. ‘IGJS Jaipur’ is a phenomenal new concept that won the hearts of the foreign buyers in its very first edition in 2022. I pledge to work towards making India’s only foreign buyer-focused show ‘IGJS Jaipur’ a success to drive exports from India.”

Mr. Pankaj Parekh, Regional Chairman, Eastern Region, “I will dedicate my tenure in the GJEPC to the inclusive growth of all members from every product vertical. I intend to leverage my extensive experience towards recommending policy that results in further ease of doing business through the reduction of trade impediments. Given the GJEPC’s recent run of success on the policy front, I feel this is an opportune moment to enhance the Council’s membership. Our common aim is to ensure that India becomes the leading supplier of choice for gem and jewellery retailers across the globe.”

Mr. Princeson Jose, Regional Chairman, Southern Region, said, “It is a privilege to be nominated and elected as Chairman-Southern Region of GJEPC. I am committed to bring in a favourable environment for the gem & jewellery trade and business in the region during my tenure. I will work closely with the industry and the government to bring in policy reforms that are conducive for the trade and business in the region. My key responsibilities during my tenure will be to work towards GJEPC’s ‘Vision – to make India the preferred source for quality gems and jewellery’, and it’s ‘Mission – to enable every individual associated with the Indian gems and jewellery industry to achieve their full potential’.”

Following are the convener appointed for the different panels: