Gem Jewellery Export Promotion Council today inked pacts with world's leading diamond firm, De Beers and two prominent gems exchanges from China for promotion of trade after launching the 33rd annual edition of India International Jewellery Show (IIJS) here.
Both Guangzhou Diamond Exchange and Guangdong Gems and Jade Exchange (GDGJE) are two of the biggest gems and jade trading gateway in southern China.
"GJEPC has signed an MoU with the world's leading diamond company, De Beers, to undertake promotional activities to drive consumer demand for diamond jewellery in the country. The marketing campaign will be run over the key selling season, and the funding will be agreed by both GJEPC and De Beers," a statement issued here said.
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Bruce Cleaver, CEO, De Beers Group said: "India is of central importance to De Beers' future and is at the very heart of the diamond pipeline. India is already one of the world's most important markets for consumer sales of diamond jewellery and we believe it has an exciting opportunity for further growth."
IIJS is a five-day B2B event and a platform that allows the global gem & jewellery industry an excellent business opportunity to explore the various multi-faceted aspects of the Indian gem and industry.
Around 35,000 visitors from various cities and towns in India and 80 other countries, are participating in the show wherein nearly 1,200 exhibitors have set up the stalls through 2,000 booths spread over 50,000 sq ft area.
"Government and GJEPC are working jointly and passionately to take the gems and jewellery industry to the next level and the next cycle of progress.
"The Government's priority is employment and the country's vast labour force has to be optimally utilised to enhance productivity and skillsets," Union Ministry of Commerce Joint Secretary, Manoj Dwivedi said.
He said, "Our goal should be to increase exports and match up to international best-in-class practices while competing globally and stimulating demand. Government reforms will be in tune with promotions."
The Skill Council of India has targeted to train 5 million workers and upgrade skills. The other key initiative is to geographically map, tag and brand the unique jewellery of different parts of the country - be it jewellery from South or North East or Jaipur - to highlight the craftsmanship of that particular area," Dwivedi said.
Praveenshankar Pandya, Chairman, GJEPC, said, "The gems & jewellery sector contributes significantly to India in terms of exports, employment and key economic indicators.
"Every year, we strive to take the IIJS brand a notch higher and this year, too, We have created separate section dedicated to the micro, small and medium enterprises in the gem and jewellery industry to give them impetus as they are the backbone of the Prime Minister's Make in India initiative.
