Mumbai: The Responsible Jewellery Council (RJC) held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Mumbai on April 13, 2015, followed by visits to key diamond and jewellery manufacturing centres in Surat and the SEEPZ Special Economic Zone. The event was co-hosted by The Gem and Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) and Bharat Diamond Bourse (BDB).
This was the first RJC AGM and Conference held outside Europe. Over a three day series of events including the AGM, conference sessions, factory visits and a gala dinner, leading members of the Indian and International industry exchanged views and learning. Senior industry, U.S. government representatives and civil society experts also participated. As earlier reported, James Courage was designated as the Chairman. Also the RJC Executive Committee appointed its first member from civil society with Estelle Levin of Estelle Levin Ltd. being formally appointed Co-Chair of the RJC Standards Committee.
The events highlighted how the Indian manufacturing sector has significantly benefited from an industry-led global compliance standard like the RJC to meet export market expectations as well as to retain skilled workers as a way of improving quality and productivity. “We invited the RJC to hold this event in India so we could unleash the power of collaboration to create exciting long term opportunities for the Indian diamond and jewellery industry,” said Anoop Mehta, BDB President.
“I am pleased to say that our expectations have been exceeded and this event has built trust and commitment to stronger partnership with the RJC.” Vipul Shah, Chairman, GJEPC said, “We look forward to working more closely with the RJC to accelerate the progress achieved over the last two years which will further help promoting RJC membership to our members. This is an integral part of securing the long-term future for an incredibly successful industry.”
GJEPC is leading benchmark work to streamline compliance with AML regulations through MyKYC. BDB is fully collaborating. This would reduce cost and efforts for all industry players. “India remains a strategic priority for the RJC,” said James Courage, RJC Chairman. “We thank our co-hosts, GJEPC and BDB, and all the other international and Indian participants that made this event such a success. RJC is delighted that this event has strengthened our relationship with the GJEPC and BDB to work together for the future success of the Indian diamond and jewellery industry”.
RJC has made significant progress in India, especially over the last two years, and is committed to working with Indian industry and institutions to fully integrate with this key market. As a key part of this increasing commitment to India, RJC earlier this month announced the appointment of Kinjal Shah as Country Head, India.
