Mumbai: A little over a month since the lockdown to contain the spread of the coronavirus began in India, a few gem and jewellery (G&J) manufacturing units in the Surat SEZ and in the Jaipur SEZs and EPIP have resumed limited production observing all safeguards and other prescribed norms. The first export parcels from these centres have also been shipped.
This important development was a result of extensive coordination between different government authorities and concerned exporters, facilitated by The Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC).
A few units in Jaipur’s EPIP and SEZ Zone I & II have commenced production and exports from April 27, making them the first SEZ to start gem & jewellery production & exports from India after COVID 19 lockdown began.
Similarly, in Surat, eight units have started their operations in Surat SEZ. Further, GJEPC said that the Customs authorities had confirmed that the first 10 shipments have been exported from Surat Hira Bourse on April 29 with the Surat-Mumbai transhipment being done by flight.
GJEPC is co-ordinating with agencies to ensure that competitive proposals with regard to charges for transhipment of export parcels from Surat to Mumbai once or twice in a week are received. The schedule will be worked out as per connectivity with flights to Hong Kong to facilitate additional exports.
Following a meeting Mr. Dinesh Navadiya, Regional Chairman Gujarat, GJEPC and Regional Director, GJEPC held with Collector and Mayor of Surat, it was decided that GJEPC Surat office is authorised by Collector Surat to scrutinize the application of Members of council and recommend their interstate movement for export purpose. This would help ensure ease of dispatch of export parcels to Mumbai as it is the centre from where international cargo flights are operational.
GJEPC’s Regional Director, Surat has been nominated as nodal officer and will visit the Collector’s office twice in a week to complete the approval process in consultation with designated officials.
Similarly, in Rajasthan, the Council said that it worked actively in association with local trade associations and received support from the Government of Rajasthan & Dept. of Commerce, Govt of India (GoI), under the guidelines mandated by MHA.
GJEPC, in collaboration with SEEPZ Gem & Jewellery Manufacturers’ Association (SGJMA) is actively following up with DC-SEEPZ, CEO-MIDC, Hon’ble Minister of Industries, Govt. of Maharashtra, Department of Commerce, Govt of India to enable units in the SEZ in Mumbai commence operations and exports from SEEPZ, under the mandated guidelines of MHA and Govt of Maharashtra.
