GJEPC presents 34rd edition of India International Jewellery Show from 27-31st July, 2017 at the Bombay Exhibition Centre

Shri Manoj Dwivedi, Joint Secretary, Dept. Commerce, MoC&I, Govt of India and Mr Alan Chirgwin, VP, Sales and Marketing, Rio Tinto inaugurated the event in the presence of Shri Praveenshankar Pandya, Chairman, GJEPC

Mumbai, July 27, 2017: Mr Manoj Dwivedi, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Commerce & Industry,  today inaugurated the prestigious  34th edition of the India International Jewellery Show (IIJS 2017) organised by the Gems & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC). Addressing the participants at the inaugural function, Mr Dwivedi said, the jewellery industry needs to achieve a higher scale of achievement in coming years to order to become globally competitive and promote jewellery exports. The government is making various policy initiatives to find out ways and mean to improve this sector since it is only sector having maximum employment opportunities to both skilled and unskilled workers pan India.

The 34^th of the annual India International Jewellery Show (IIJS) was inaugurated also saw dignitaries like Mr. Praveenshankar Pandya (Chairman, GJEPC), Mr. Russell Mehta (Vice Chairman, GJEPC), Mr. Sabyasachi Ray (ED, GJEPC) and Mr. Saunak Parikh (Convener - National Exhibitions Sub-committee, GJEPC). Several delegates representing different countries also participated in this mega event.

Shri Manoj Dwivedi, further while describing introduction of GST as biggest reform after 1991 economic reforms, he said, though the GST scheme implemented smoothly in last four weeks, there are some implementation problems in certain sector sectors such as jewellery and diamond sector and the government is working on this after getting the feedback from the industry associations.

Mr Dwivedi urged the jewellery trade fraternity to work in a transparent manner to be more accountable for growth and work towards working for creating jobs and better living for workers at large.

On IIJS 2017, he said, it is great event for the entire industry since more & more participants were seen joining the exhibition. In this context, he suggested that GJEPC should start creating Regional Chapters of the Export Promotion Council and host such mega event zone-wise to encourage local artisans and jewellers to participate.

Chairman Mr Praveenshankar Pandya further said, “He is overwhelmed with the ever increasing response for IIJS and this has taken this show and Indian gems and jewellery industry to a different level.”

Commenting on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of India becoming world leader in the gems and jewellery Industry, he said he has a responsibility on his shoulder to take India as a global leader in overall gems and Jewellery industry by the year 2025. 

Mr Alan Chirgwin, VP, Sales and Marketing, Rio Tinto in his speech said, Rio Tinto also has co-incidentally completed 34 years since its incorporation and this is sort of an emotional bonding between Rio Tinto and GJEPC. He also acknowledged the efforts taken by GJEPC to take India at the center stage of global platform for diamond industry.

On the sidelines of IIJS 2017, GJEPC also signed a MoU with Diamond Producers Association (DPA) and will spend over Rs 2 Million for promotion of diamonds in international markets.

Over the years, IIJS has become popular with more special than ever before participations with nearly 1,200 exhibitors, 2,000+ booths, 53,500 sq. ft., 35,000+ trade visitors from 800+ Indian cities/ towns and 80 countries around the world. As India’s premier show, IIJS is the perfect platform to offer the best

of India’s expertise and craftsmanship in gold, diamond, silver and coloured stones. The Machinery section will be held between 28-31 July, 2017 at Hotel Lalit Mumbai (near International Airport) with over 120 leading companies & booths.

As done last year, this year too GJEPC is organizing the CSR dinner, "Jewellers for Hope" on the evening of 27th July at Hotel Grand Hyatt, Mumbai. Actor Arjun Kapoor has agreed to grace this event. This year the proceeds shall go to Girl Rising & Nanhi Kali Foundation, NGOs working for empowerment of Girl Child.

In addition GJEPC also organized, ‘Prelude to IIJS 2017’, a B2B event on 26th July at Hotel Grand Hyatt. The event featured leading Jewellery Manufacturers showcasing their exquisite jewellery collections specially created for 34th India International Jewellery Show (IIJS).