GJEPC’s 2nd Virtual India Global Connect Meet Explores Trade Opportunities with Colombia

After the successful India Global Connect meet with the UK, GJEPC organised the second edition of the India Global Connect with Colombia on 28^th October. His Excellency Sanjiv Ranjan, Ambassador of India to Colombia; Mr. Suresh Kumar, Joint Secretary, MOCI; Mr. Jaime Mantilla, Executive President of the Colombia India Chamber of Commerce and Board Member of the Bogota Chamber of Commerce; Mr. Colin Shah, Chairman, GJEPC; Mr. Mansukh Kothari, Convener, Events; Mr. Sabyasachi Ray, ED, GJEPC, were part of the meet.

The objective of the meet was to understand the current business scenario with regard to the gem and jewellery sector and have discussions among manufacturers, exporters and importers of both the countries, and initiate a dialogue, explore trade opportunities and project India as a viable sourcing destination.

Commenting on the trade relation between India and Colombia, Mr. Sanjiv Ranjan, Ambassador of India to Colombia, said, “Gold mining is an important sector for the Colombian Government, and it is placing a lot of emphasis on gold mining and production as a policy for economic recovery after the pandemic. Colombia is one of the largest producers of gold and India is one of the largest importers, so the conditions for developing a strong basis for trade in the sector is already established. I would like Indian businesses to explore the possibility of direct sourcing of gemstones from Colombia. The trade between two countries is dominated by a few products. India’s exports motorcycles, textiles, chemicals, pharma products, and, in turn, Colombia exports to India include emeralds, gold, petroleum, and a few other items. Our trade basket should now also include gems and jewellery in a significant manner.” 

Suresh Kumar, Joint Secretary, MoC&I, said, “India Global Connect” – A Business Networking Meet is a great initiative by GJEPC. It provides a virtual platform to the manufacturers/retailers and wholesalers of gem and  jewellery products of India and other countries to connect with each other for exploring the business opportunities. India and Colombia have a great trade relationship. Today’s meet is an opportunity for both the countries to know more about each other’s culture, customer preferences, trade scenario and overall business environment which would help in enhancing trade and business.”

Talking about the GJEPC’s new initiative India Global Connect, Colin Shah, Chairman, GJEPC, said, “Through India Global Connect, we are creating an opportunity for our members and participating countries to understand each other’s strengths in the gems and jewellery business. Gem and jewellery trade between India and Colombia is presently around US$400 million. There are already existing complementarities between the two countries -- Colombia is into mining and producing rough metals and gemstones, and India is into making jewellery and polishing gemstones. We see a great potential for enhancing trade between the two countries in the coming times.”

Mansukh Kothari, Convener, Events, GJEPC, said, “India and Colombia enjoy a great trade relationship, and I am sure India Global Connect will further strengthen the gem and jewellery trade between the two countries. The first edition of India Global Connect with the UK was successful with more than 500 participants attending the meet. We will be organising more such meets with countries like Switzerland, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, USA, etc. in the near future.”

The Colombian panellists were Mr. Alvaro Avila – Alvaro Avila, Ms. Ana Maria Sierra – Moda Elan, Mr. Andres Hurtado – El Eden Joyas, Mr Edwin Monila – APRECOL; Ms. Ingrid Burgos – Studio Ingrid Burgos, and Mr. Guillermo Galvis – President, ACODES (Emeralds); Mr. Jonny Bazalel – Vice president ACODES (Emeralds).

Panellists from India were Mr. Ram Babu Gupta - Silver Mountain; Mr. Vijay Kedia - Kedia Gem Impex; Mr. Arvind Gupta - Gallant Jewellery; Mr. Ashok Goyal - Dwarka Jewel; Mr. Rohit Gupta - Agra Products Pvt Ltd; Mr. Ankur Shah - Ansh Jewels.

The moderator for the meet was Mr. Christhian Salamanca, Director Ejecutivo Camara Colombia-India de Comercio e Industria.

Colombia and India established diplomatic relations on 19th January, 1959, and completed 60 years in 2019. Over the years, the relationship between the two countries has strengthened and diversified in all areas of mutual interest encompassing political, commercial and cultural fields. A number ofMoUs/Agreements have been concluded between India and Colombia over the years in areas such as defence cooperation, trade promotion, cooperation in science and technology, IT, tourism, etc.