Boosting India’s Gems & Jewellery Exports: GJEPC Unveils IIJS 2020 Editions and Strategic Initiatives
The Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC), the apex body for the Indian gems and jewellery sector, convened a pivotal press conference on October 16, 2019, in Mumbai. The event served as a platform to announce key updates and strategic initiatives aimed at bolstering the industry amidst evolving global and domestic landscapes. Mansukh Kothari, Convener of the Exhibitions (National) Sub-Committee, presented comprehensive details regarding the highly anticipated IIJS Premiere 2020 and IIJS Signature 2020, two of India’s most significant trade shows for the gems and jewellery fraternity.
In a significant move demonstrating its commitment to member welfare and industry resilience, GJEPC announced a special “rate benefit” for exhibitors participating in the upcoming IIJS shows. This initiative directly addresses the prevailing challenging conditions faced by the gems and jewellery sector, offering a much-needed stimulus to businesses navigating economic headwinds.
Unprecedented Support for Exhibitors: Special Rate Benefits for Members
Recognizing the difficulties confronting the Indian gems and jewellery industry, including fluctuations in global demand and domestic policy impacts, GJEPC has rolled out a targeted financial relief package for its members. The objective is to encourage participation in these crucial trade events, ensuring that exhibitors can showcase their products and connect with buyers without undue financial burden. This strategic intervention underscores GJEPC’s role not just as a promoter of exports, but also as a steadfast supporter of its members’ business continuity and growth.
The rate benefits are structured as follows:
- Ordinary & Ordinary+ MSME Members: A substantial 15% discount on exhibition rates. This category represents a significant portion of the industry, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) which form the backbone of India’s manufacturing capabilities.
- MSME Members: A generous 10% discount, specifically tailored to support micro, small, and medium enterprises, enabling them to sustain and expand their market presence.
- Associate Members: A 5% discount, extending support across a broader spectrum of GJEPC’s membership base.
To avail these exclusive benefits, eligible members are encouraged to submit their applications promptly. A 50% advance payment for IIJS Signature 2020 and a 10% advance payment for IIJS Premiere 2020 must be made by November 20, 2019. This early submission window is designed to facilitate planning and ensure maximum participation, providing exhibitors with ample time to prepare for these premier events.
Mansukh Kothari on Elevating IIJS to Global Standards
Mansukh Kothari articulated the ambitious vision for IIJS, stating, “Our aim is to make IIJS amongst the top gem and jewellery shows in the world.” He emphasized the Council’s continuous efforts to enhance the exhibition experience, driven by invaluable feedback from both buyers and exhibitors. Each year, new features and facilities are integrated, reflecting GJEPC’s dedication to innovation and excellence in event management.
IIJS Premiere, a flagship event, consistently attracts over 1,300 exhibitors and more than 40,000 visitors from across India and approximately 80 international countries. This extensive reach firmly establishes IIJS as one of the world’s most preferred platforms for the global gem and jewellery trade fraternity. The immense popularity and significance of the show are further evidenced by the fact that over 8,000 visitors had already pre-registered for the upcoming event at the time of the press conference. To enhance accessibility and navigation, the show’s comprehensive details are also available via the GJEPC App, offering a modern, user-friendly experience.
Kothari expressed optimism that the newly introduced rate benefits would provide considerable relief to members during these challenging times, fostering a sense of support and encouraging robust participation. Furthermore, for the convenience of retailers and visitors, online registration facilities have been streamlined, offering special rate benefits for early registrations and multi-show registration options, catering to diverse participation needs across one, two, or five shows. These initiatives collectively underscore GJEPC’s commitment to maximizing engagement and creating value for all stakeholders.
Expanding Horizons: A New Export-Focused Trade Show
In a forward-looking announcement, Mansukh Kothari revealed GJEPC’s plans to introduce an entirely new trade show dedicated exclusively to export businesses within the gems and jewellery sector. This strategic move is designed to specifically attract international buyers, providing Indian exporters with a focused platform to showcase their products to a global audience. The new show aims to streamline the export process, foster direct international connections, and unlock new markets for Indian craftsmanship and products. Further details regarding this exciting new initiative, including dates, venue, and specific focus areas, are expected to be unveiled at a special press meet in due course. This expansion highlights GJEPC’s proactive approach to diversifying its offerings and strengthening India’s position as a global leader in gem and jewellery exports.
GJEPC Leadership Addresses Industry Challenges and Growth Strategies
Pramod Kumar Agrawal: Navigating Global & Domestic Headwinds
Pramod Kumar Agrawal, Chairman of GJEPC, provided critical insights into the current state of the industry. He acknowledged the prevailing “low demand for gems and jewellery globally,” a situation compounded by domestic factors such as the rise in import duty on gold. These challenges have created a complex environment for businesses, necessitating strategic interventions from industry bodies like GJEPC. Agrawal underscored that the decision to offer rate benefits to exhibitors of IIJS Signature and IIJS Premiere stems from a desire to provide tangible relief to member exporters, recognizing the industry’s historical resilience in the face of adversity.
Looking ahead to IIJS Signature 2020, Agrawal announced significant enhancements to the exhibition experience. A new hall dedicated to machinery will be introduced, catering to the growing demand for advanced manufacturing technologies and equipment within the sector. Additionally, 100 new stalls for jewellery exhibitors will be added, accommodating those who were on the waiting list in previous years and ensuring broader representation of the industry’s diverse offerings. To elevate the visitor experience, GJEPC is implementing special buyer promotion programmes designed to create personalized and more engaging interactions. Beyond the exhibition floor, GJEPC plans to conduct extensive roadshows and door-to-door campaigns in over 100 cities across India. These outreach efforts, coupled with initiatives to facilitate international connections in key global markets, are crucial components of the Council’s strategy to vigorously promote and grow exports from India.
Colin Shah: Charting a Course Towards US$75 Billion Exports
Colin Shah, Vice Chairman of GJEPC, articulated an ambitious long-term vision for the Indian gems and jewellery sector. “Our vision is to grow India’s gems and jewellery exports to US$ 75 billion and create an additional two million jobs in the sector by 2025,” he stated. This bold target reflects GJEPC’s unwavering commitment to economic growth and employment generation within the industry. Shah acknowledged that the past couple of years have presented significant challenges, leading to a decline in exports. However, he emphasized GJEPC’s proactive stance in addressing these issues through a series of strategic initiatives and collaborations.
A cornerstone of GJEPC’s promotional strategy involves significant investments in marketing and brand building. The Council has partnered with the Diamond Producers Association (DPA), contributing a substantial Rs. 14.2 crore towards DPA-led global promotional campaigns for diamond jewellery in key markets such as the USA, China, and India. This collaboration aims to stimulate consumer demand for diamonds worldwide. Parallel to this, GJEPC has allocated Rs. 5 crore specifically for the promotion of gold jewellery in the lucrative Middle East markets, recognizing the unique cultural and economic significance of gold in the region.
Beyond market promotion, GJEPC is deeply committed to the sustainable development of the industry. This commitment manifests in a range of initiatives, including the establishment of Common Facility Centres (CFCs), which provide shared access to advanced machinery and technology for smaller manufacturers. The development of Jewellery Parks is also underway, offering integrated infrastructure and facilities to foster efficient production and innovation. Furthermore, GJEPC continues to support and expand gem & jewellery institutes, ensuring a steady supply of skilled talent and promoting design excellence. These infrastructural and educational initiatives are designed to help the industry regain a strong growth trajectory.
In a testament to its holistic approach, GJEPC has also launched several impactful social welfare schemes for the workforce. The “Swasthya Ratna” employee health insurance scheme, a critical safety net, has already covered a remarkable 521,659 lives. Additionally, the “Parichay Card” initiative, designed to provide identification and facilitate access to various benefits for craftsmen and workers, has seen an enthusiastic response, with requests received for 260,950 cards. These welfare programs underscore GJEPC’s dedication not only to economic targets but also to the well-being and empowerment of the hundreds of thousands of individuals who form the foundation of India’s vibrant gems and jewellery sector.
Key Dates and Venue for IIJS Signature 2020
The highly anticipated IIJS Signature 2020 is scheduled to take place at the Bombay Exhibition Centre (BEC) in Goregaon, Mumbai, from February 13-16, 2020. This world-class venue will once again host exhibitors and buyers from across the globe, providing a dynamic environment for trade, networking, and discovering the latest trends in the gems and jewellery industry.
The Leadership Behind the Vision
The press conference on October 16, 2019, brought together key figures instrumental in shaping the future of India’s gems and jewellery industry. Pictured at the event were Sabyasachi Ray, Executive Director; Colin Shah, Vice Chairman; Pramod Kumar Agrawal, Chairman; Mansukh Kothari, Convener, Exhibitions (National) Sub-Committee; and Shailesh Sangani, Member, Exhibitions (National) Sub-Committee. Their collective expertise and leadership are vital in steering the GJEPC and the wider industry towards its ambitious growth targets and ensuring its continued prominence on the global stage.
The GJEPC’s comprehensive announcements, from exhibitor benefits and enhanced show features to a new export-focused event and robust promotional and welfare initiatives, collectively paint a picture of an industry determined to overcome challenges and achieve unprecedented growth. With strategic leadership and a clear vision, India’s gems and jewellery sector is poised for a future of innovation, expansion, and sustained global leadership, solidifying its role as a key contributor to the national economy and a beacon of exceptional craftsmanship.