Piyush Goyal inaugurates the India International Jewellery Trade Show

MUMBAI : Union Minister of Commerce & Industry, Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution & Textiles Shri Piyush Goyal inaugurated the India International Jewellery Trade Show — IIJS Signature Gem & Jewellery Trade Show organised by Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC), in Mumbai.

For the first time ever, the New Year’s first top-of-the-line design centric jewellery trade show along with the India Gem & Jewellery Machinery Expo (IGJME) is being held at two venues in Mumbai: JIO World Convention Centre, BKC (4-7 January) & Bombay Exhibition Centre, NESCO, Goregaon (5-8 January). This expansion aims to offer exhibitors and visitors more space, fostering a relaxed environment conducive to productive business interactions.

Gracing the momentous occasion along with Chief Guest Shri Piyush Goyal were Dr. Harshdeep Kamble (IAS, Principal Secretary of Industries, Government of Maharashtra); Shri Joy Alukkas (Chairperson, Joyalukkas); Shri Kirit Bhansali (Vice Chairman, GJEPC); Shri Nirav Bhansali (Convener, National Exhibitions, GJEPC) and colleagues from the GJEPC COA; Shri Sabyasachi Ray (ED, GJEPC), Govt. officials along with esteemed dignitaries, delegates, exhibitors, buyers, trade constituents and media.

Speaking on the occasion, Union Minister Shri Piyush Goyal said, India can become the global epicentre of the gem & jewellery industry with a holistic ecosystem encompassing all diverse constituents and elements. He said that massive investments are being made to create a world-class infrastructure including the 20-acre India Jewellery Park in Navi Mumbai and a common facility centre in SEEPZ Mumbai with most modern machinery and equipment. The infrastructure impetus can empower MSMEs in the gem and jewellery industry to build global competitiveness and expand their business in a very modern and efficient environment, he added. “After the success in Dubai post the India-UAE CEPA, we are planning to open a new export promotion Council in Hong Kong to gradually spread our wings to capture world markets across borders”.

Shri Goyal further said that jewellery design should become our next big export. Our young, talented and skilled workforce and help us merge fashion and jewellery into an unbeatable and desirable combination. The emphasis has to be on making India the design destination of the world for fashion and jewellery, said the Union Minister. The fashion and jewellery combination can make India a coveted and preferred wedding destination for the world. He said that the Surat Diamond Bourse has already become a benchmark globally and this competitive spirit that will take Indian industry to greater heights. India has the potential to become the world’s largest gem jeweller, proficient lab grown diamond maker, impeccable design centre and technologically advanced machinery manufacturer all under one platform. He urged that it is time we embark on the journey to realise our true potential and show our prowess to the world.

The Chairman of GJEPC Shri Vipul Shah was present amongst the dignitaries on the occasion. The 16th edition of GJEPC’s IIJS Signature will have 32,000+ visitors (including international buyers) from 800 Indian cities and 60 countries visiting 1,500+ exhibitors occupying 3,000+ stalls across a sprawling 1.25 lakh sq. mt. of exhibition area.