India SAARC Middle East Buyer Seller Meet: Elevating India’s Gem & Jewellery Global Presence

The **Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC)**, a pivotal organization dedicated to fostering the growth and exports of India’s illustrious gem and jewellery sector, proudly orchestrated the 4th edition of the India SAARC Middle East Buyer Seller Meet (BSM). Held in the vibrant city of Chennai from April 28th to 30th, this three-day event served as a crucial platform for **31 distinguished exhibitors from across India** to showcase an exquisite array of both classic plain gold jewellery and dazzling diamond-studded masterpieces. The meticulous design of the BSM incorporated pre-fixed one-on-one meetings, approximately 30 minutes in duration, between buyers and sellers during the initial two days, culminating in an open exhibition format on the final day, ensuring maximum engagement and networking opportunities.

Strategic Vision: Fueling India’s Jewellery Export Growth

Mr. Pramod Kumar Agrawal, the esteemed Chairman of GJEPC, underscored the profound success of the Indian gem and jewellery industry in adeptly catering to the diverse and sophisticated tastes of markets across the Middle East and Asian countries. He asserted, “India has long been the preferred sourcing destination for unparalleled quality in gems and jewellery globally, a fact resoundingly reaffirmed by the robust growth in exports of gold and studded jewellery.” This sector witnessed a remarkable surge, with exports escalating to **USD 12.03 billion in FY19**, representing an impressive **24.36% increase** from USD 9.67 billion in FY18. The India SAARC – Middle East BSM stands as a testament to GJEPC’s relentless commitment to strengthening these vital trade relationships and expanding business horizons. Buyers at the event were presented with an astonishing variety of jewellery, including intricate filigree work, pieces adorned with precious stones, and innovative feather-light designs, each reflecting India’s rich heritage and modern craftsmanship.

From Diamonds to Value-Added Jewellery: A Strategic Shift

Having firmly established its global dominance in the cutting and polishing of diamonds, India is now strategically channeling its efforts towards augmenting jewellery exports. This sector is unequivocally identified as the primary engine for future growth within the industry. India’s total gem and jewellery exports reached an impressive **USD 40 billion in FY 2018-19**, cementing its critical role in the global market. Key export destinations continue to be **Hong Kong (35%), USA (25%), and UAE (25%)**, highlighting the industry’s widespread international appeal and the strength of its trading partnerships. This shift towards value-added finished jewellery represents a natural evolution, allowing India to leverage its unparalleled expertise in diamond processing into creating finished products that command higher value in international markets. It’s a testament to the industry’s adaptability and foresight in positioning itself for sustained growth and innovation.

“Make in India”: A Pillar of Economic Strength and Skill

The Indian Gems & Jewellery industry stands as a radiant emblem of the ‘Make in India’ initiative, contributing significantly to the nation’s economic prosperity. This vibrant sector accounts for approximately **7% of India’s GDP** and a substantial **11.99% of its total Merchandise Exports**, underscoring its pivotal role in the national economy. Beyond its financial contributions, the industry is a massive employment generator, providing livelihoods to an estimated **5 million (50 lakh) individuals** across the country. This makes it one of the largest employers in India’s manufacturing landscape, empowering a vast workforce with specialized skills and opportunities.

The Diamond Paradox: Global Leader Without Mines

Perhaps one of the most remarkable aspects of the Indian gem and jewellery story is its undisputed position as the **world leader in Cut & Polished diamonds**, despite the absence of a single diamond mine within its borders. India’s sheer prowess in this domain is staggering: it processes an astounding **93% of the world’s polished diamonds**, meaning that a staggering **14 out of every 15 diamonds** set in jewellery worldwide pass through Indian hands for processing. Each year, over **one billion stones** are meticulously polished by highly skilled Indian artisans and technicians. This extraordinary feat is a testament to India’s unparalleled expertise, technological adoption, and the dedication of its workforce, transforming rough stones from across the globe into brilliant finished diamonds.

Mr. Agrawal further elaborated on the industry’s continuous evolution, stating, “Indian manufacturers have been making substantial investments in both advanced technology and skilled manpower to create manufactured jewels that boast skillfully crafted designs and utilize high-end materials, all of which are highly sought after in international markets.” He also emphasized the paramount importance of “India’s jewellery industry for its ethical business practices. Exporters here undertake business lawfully, diligently adhering to all prescribed norms and practices, ensuring transparency and trust in every transaction.” This commitment to ethical conduct resonates strongly with global buyers who increasingly prioritize responsible sourcing and fair trade practices.

The Power of Connection: The Buyer-Seller Meet Experience

Mr. Dilip Shah, Convener of International Exhibitions, highlighted the distinctiveness and efficacy of the Buyer-Seller Meet format. “The unique nature and structured format make BSMs the most demanding yet highly effective forum for conducting business between buyers and exhibitors,” he remarked. Expressing optimism for the event’s outcome, he added, “I am hopeful that the 4th edition of the BSM will replicate the success of its predecessors, further strengthening trade relationships and augmenting business opportunities.” This particular BSM, with its sharp focus on exquisite jewellery, brought together **31 Indian exhibitors** with an impressive contingent of **78 buyers** representing a diverse array of 19 countries. These included Algeria, Australia, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Egypt, Fiji, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Malaysia, New Zealand, Qatar, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Sri Lanka, UAE, and the UK. The global participation underscores India’s universal appeal as a jewellery sourcing hub, facilitating direct, meaningful interactions that often translate into robust business collaborations and long-term partnerships.

A Tapestry of Tradition: Exploring India’s Unique Jewellery Styles

As one of the world’s largest exporters of gold jewellery, India is celebrated globally not only for its volume but also for the unparalleled artistry embedded in its diverse jewellery making traditions. The country is a treasure trove of unique styles, each narrating centuries of cultural heritage and artistic evolution. These distinctive craftsmanship techniques are highly coveted and represent the pinnacle of Indian aesthetic sensibilities:

• Kundan: An ancient form of jewellery originating from the royal courts of Rajasthan and Gujarat, Kundan work involves setting carefully shaped, uncut gemstones (often diamonds) into a gold or silver foil base, creating a magnificent, regal appearance. The foil creates a brilliant reflection, enhancing the stone’s natural beauty.
• Meenakari: This intricate art of enamelling involves vibrant colors painstakingly applied to engraved gold, silver, or copper surfaces. Originating in Jaipur, Meenakari pieces are renowned for their vivid hues and elaborate patterns, often depicting flora, fauna, and mythological scenes, creating miniature artworks.
• Handcarving: A testament to the skilled hands of Indian artisans, handcarved jewellery features detailed sculptural designs, often seen in religious motifs or elaborate patterns on gold. This technique requires immense precision and artistic vision, resulting in pieces with unique texture and depth.
• Bidri Jewellery: Hailing from Bidar, Karnataka, Bidriware is a distinct metal craft involving an alloy of zinc and copper, inlaid with fine sheets of pure silver. The surface is then oxidized to a striking black, creating a dramatic contrast that highlights the intricate silver designs, a truly unique form of jewellery.
• Temple Jewellery: Deeply rooted in South Indian traditions, Temple Jewellery draws inspiration from ancient temple architecture and deities. These pieces, often adorned with images of gods, goddesses, and sacred symbols, are typically made from gold and embellished with precious stones, traditionally used for religious ceremonies and classical dance forms.
• Filigree Jewellery: A delicate and intricate craft, Filigree involves twisting and soldering tiny threads of gold or silver into elaborate designs, creating an effect of delicate lace. Odisha and Karimnagar are particularly famous for this ethereal form of jewellery, known for its lightness and sophisticated beauty.
• Jadau Jewellery: Similar to Kundan but often featuring a broader range of precious and semi-precious stones set into gold using lac, Jadau jewellery is a hallmark of Mughal-inspired artistry. The stones are carefully embedded without prongs, creating a smooth, rich surface that exudes grandeur and historical elegance.

Shaping the Future: The Mumbai Jewellery Park Initiative

With an ambitious vision to propel the Indian gem and jewellery industry to unprecedented heights, GJEPC, with the crucial backing of the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Government of India, is poised to establish a state-of-the-art **Jewellery Park in Mumbai**. This groundbreaking venture is designed to provide comprehensive and effective support to jewellery manufacturers and traders keen on expanding their operations or investing in India. It aims to facilitate new business initiatives or strengthen existing enterprises, benchmarking its facilities and services against globally renowned jewellery parks in countries like China, Turkey, and Thailand. The Mumbai Jewellery Park project is not merely an infrastructural development; it is an economic powerhouse estimated to generate direct employment for approximately **1,00,000 workers**, thereby creating significant socio-economic impact and solidifying Mumbai’s status as a global jewellery hub.

GJEPC: Driving India’s Gem & Jewellery Global Presence

Over the decades, GJEPC has played an indispensable role in harmonizing and propelling the previously fragmented efforts of India’s vast Gem & Jewellery trade. The Council has consistently represented the industry through a myriad of promotional initiatives, both within India and across the globe. Domestically, GJEPC organizes several flagship trade fairs that serve as vital marketplaces and networking platforms. These include the prestigious **India International Jewellery Show (IIJS)**, its premium counterpart **IIJS Signature**, and the **India Gem & Jewellery Machinery Expo (IGJME)**, which showcases technological advancements in the sector. These events are instrumental in bringing together manufacturers, retailers, and technological innovators under one roof.

Internationally, GJEPC champions the ‘India Pavilion’ concept, enabling numerous companies to participate collectively under the unifying GJEPC banner at leading global shows. This strategy ensures a strong national presence and amplifies India’s image on the world stage. Notable international exhibitions where GJEPC consistently leads India Pavilions include JCK Las Vegas, Baselworld (historically), Hong Kong Jewellery & Gem Fair, Vicenza Oro, and Jewellery Arabia, among several other prominent showcases worldwide. These participations are crucial for market access, brand building, and staying abreast of global trends.

Looking Ahead: A Calendar of Global Engagement

The India SAARC Middle East BSM is but one of many strategic initiatives planned by GJEPC for the year. The Council has meticulously scheduled a series of targeted Buyer-Seller Meets to further enhance trade relationships and explore new market opportunities. Upcoming events include the **India Diamond Week in Shenzhen – China**, the **India Australia Jewellery BSM 2019 – Mumbai**, another **India Diamond Week 2019 (Loose Diamonds) in New York**, the **India Gemstone Week 2019 in China**, an **India Diamond Week – Mumbai (Loose Diamond)**, and the **Kolkata Jewellery BSM**. This extensive calendar reflects GJEPC’s proactive approach to connecting Indian manufacturers with global buyers across various product categories and geographical regions. Additionally, GJEPC continues its robust efforts in promoting **”Brand India”** across world markets through comprehensive global campaigns, positioning India as the ultimate source for high-quality, ethically sourced, and exquisitely crafted jewellery, a heritage of unparalleled artistry and innovation.