Gems & jewellery industry belongs to Mumbai as Mumbai accounts for 72% of the annual USD 37 bn of exports, proclaimed Dr. Devendra Fadnavis, Hon. Dy. Chief Minister of Maharashtra, while inaugurating the largest-ever IIJS Signature & IGJME 2024 twin Exhibitions organised by the Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) at the Bombay Exhibition Centre, NESCO Goregaon.
For the first time ever, the New Year’s first top-of-the-line design centric jewellery trade show IIJS Signature (India International Jewellery Show Signature) along with the India Gem & Jewellery Machinery Expo (IGJME) is being held at two venues in Mumbai: Bombay Exhibition Centre, NESCO, Goregaon (5-8 January)and JIO World Convention Centre, BKC (4-7 January).
Dr. Devendra Fadnavis was accompanied by Shri Uday Samant, Hon. Minister of Industries, Govt. of Maharashtra at the inauguration ceremony in the presence of Ms. Reshma Lakhani, Director General, DGEP; Mr. Paul Rowley, Executive Vice President, De Beers; Shri Sunil Nayak, CEO, Reliance Jewels; Mr. Vipul Shah Chairman, GJEPC; Shri Kirit Bhansali, Vice Chairman, GJEPC; Shri Nirav Bhansali (Convener, National Exhibitions, GJEPC); Shri Sabyasachi Ray (ED, GJEPC), along with the doyens of international & Indian diamond, gem & jewellery sector.
While speaking at the IIJS Signature, Dr. Fadnavis said, “Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji has set a target of USD 75 bn for gem & jewellery exports by 2030. This will be possible with the pivotal role played by the apex body GJEPC, which has instrumental in making India one of the biggest international players in the global gems & jewellery industry. Maharashtra Government has worked closely with GJEPC to complete the new Common Facility Centre (CFC) at SEEPZ in just 17 months and this will allow gem & jewellery exporters especially MSMEs to have hassle free shipment, paper work and facilitate ease of doing business. Maharashtra Government and GJEPC have collaborated for the new India Gems & Jewellery Park at Navi Mumbai and this initiative will also help achieve export target. Jewellery Park will create new ecosystem in gems & jewellery industry wherein Maharashtra will preserve its status as ace exporter and set new records in gem & jewellery exports. Indian jewellery has been part of the global trade since time memorial not is just economic but also an emotional investment. As India prospers and economy and industry expands, Maharashtra will continue to make new investments. Maharashtra Govt. is working tirelessly to help gem & jewellery entrepreneurs in key parameters such as ease of doing business and cost of doing business. As Maharashtra targets to become USD 1 trillion economy, we shall continue to collaborate with GJEPC to create unique institutions such as the Bharat Diamond Bourse, which symbolises unique ecosystem. And whenever GJEPC wishes to create any new ecosystem, the natural and first choice has to be Maharashtra.”
Maharashtra’s Industries Minister Uday Samant urges GJEPC to develop indigenous gem & jewellery industry in rural India.
While thanking Dr. Devendra Fadnavis for his support and vision, Mr. Vipul Shah, Chairman, GJEPC, said, “Now, with the Jewellery Park coming up in Navi Mumbai with the support of Maharashtra Government, our industry is getting ready to bring in more investments from abroad. The Jewellery Park brings with it several government-backed advantages. It’s a one-stop-shop with the Single Window Clearance for government approvals under the Maitri Policy, making processes smoother and faster. Additionally, the State Government has offered relief in power tariff and electricity charges, among other benefits. These initiatives significantly ease the path for businesses, ensuring efficiency and reducing operational costs, ultimately fostering a thriving environment within the park.”