Gems trade plans big for Las Vegas show

The Gem and Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) will participate at the JCK Show, the world's largest jewellery trade fair at Las Vegas, with a contingent of 63 members.

This was expected to boost sales of Indian gems and jewellery in the US. Indian exporters will showcase high-end jewellery including products using white gold, platinum, studded with diamonds and other gemstones. Exporters will target the mass merchandise market.

Sanjay Kothari, chairman of the GJEPC, said, "The US is a major market for India. Out of the $12 billion exports in 2004, 38 per cent of the total exports of gems and jewellery went to the US. While, cut and polished diamonds is exported to the tune of 35 per cent and jewellery at 58 per cent."

The JCK show would be an ideal platform to display the strengths of the industry to a global audience and help Indian exporters interact and collaborate with global buyers and traders.

Participation there would help the trade achieve the export target of $16 billion by 2007.

GJEPC in financial year in 2003-2004 reported a rise in gem and jewellery exports by 31 per cent in dollar terms and 24 per cent in rupee terms.

Exports touched Rs 54,919 crore in value against Rs 44,080 crore last year. Value addition was to the tune of over $ 2 billion.