Mumbai: A new bigger Exhibition & Convention Centre in Mumbai and “Smart Manufacturing” will be included in Maharashtra’s new Industrial Policy which will be announced in September 2024, according to Dr Harshdeep Kamble, IAS, Principal Secretary, (Industries), Government of Maharashtra.
He stated this during the 40th edition of the India International Jewellery Show 2024 (IIJS) Premiere Show organised by The Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) in Mumbai recently.
Noting that the future of the Gem & Jewellery sector lies in smart manufacturing and technological advancements, he said ‘Magnetic’ Maharashtra is poised to lead the way in this new era of industrial development, where this event showcases the brilliance of gems and jewellery industry, and also highlights Maharashtra’s role as ‘hub’ of innovation and excellence.
Vipul Shah, Chairman, GJEPC, while noting the growth of IIJS into the world’s second-largest B2B gem and jewellery show, said the overwhelming participation of over 2,500 international visitors and 15 international delegations underscored the global impact of this industry and this show.
“With the continued government support and the industry’s collective efforts, we are confident of achieving our vision of elevating India’s gem and jewellery exports to US$ 100 billion by 2047,” he said.
Varghese Alukkas, Managing Director, Jos Alukkas, while commending the GJEPC for this outstanding jewellery show and also the IIJS’s important role in furthering domestic and international exports, noted that the recent Union Budget and the duty cuts have “spurred new energy and dynamism into the gem & jewellery business.”
Noting that ‘artisanal’ jewellery can take Brand India to the world while helping strike an instant chord and appeal with global consumers through its designs, craftsmanship and technology, Sandeep Kohli, CEO, Novel Jewels, Adity Birla Group, highlighted the “need to decommoditize the industry and move towards Premiumization.”
Highlighting the ‘changing and evolving’ industry’s need to examine how much the industry gave to the world and vice versa, Emil Guzelis, Chairman, Zen Diamond, said that Zen would be opening its first store outlet at Turner Road in Bandra, Mumbai – the diamond retail hub of the city.
Nirav Bhansali, Convenor, National Exhibitions, GJEPC, described the IIJS 2024 as representing the ‘spirit of the gem and jewellery industry’ while blending business opportunities with educational and social responsibility initiatives in the mission towards an environment-friendly and sustainable event.
The IIJS Premiere is highlighting a wide array of products including diamonds, gemstones, studded jewellery, gold and gold CZ jewellery, lab-grown diamonds, high-end couture jewellery, silver jewellery and artefacts, colour gemstones and machinery, technology and allied industries.
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(BOX); Kareena Kapoor Khan, Bollywood actress, philanthropist and UNICEF India’s Celebrity Advocate, graced the 9th edition of “Jewellers for Hope” charity fundraiser, which was organised by the GJEPC.
The charity dinner’s proceeds were donated to two NGOs, while the Jewellers for Hope has contributed crores of rupees to 14 NGOs in making a lasting impact on countless lives, according to a release.
Highlighting the ‘deep compassion and generosity’ reflected by Jewellers for Hope in defining the gem and jewellery industry, the actress said the GJEPC is shaping a brighter future for countless lives in need through its power to create lasting change, while also inspiring others to contribute and join this noble journey of hope, care and transformation.
Paul Rowley, Executive Vice-President, Diamond Trading, De Beers Group, said “Natural diamonds do spread hope and its beauty is reflected in stories of journey comprising optimism, resilience and determination alongside hope.”
