Mumbai: A delegation of The Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council’s (GJEPC) Southern Region met India’s Minister of State for Commerce & Industry Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman, while the Minister was on a visit to Mangaluru recently.

The meeting was held to explore ways and means of further developing the gems and jewellery industry in the region.

During the discussion, the delegation suggested that a training institute be set up for skill development; and that a Common Facility Centre (CFC) also be set up which could facilitate the manufacturers in the area, as well as serve as a place where students of the institute could get hands-on training.  It was mooted that these facilities be set up somewhere in the Mangaluru-Udipi (both within about 50 km distance of each other) area.

The GJEPC is now tasked with holding discussions with its members and preparing a proposal for the same. This will, in due course, and once it is prepared, be presented to the Minister for further consideration.