“Indian gems and jewellery industry is the world leader in diamonds – we are the largest manufacturer with almost workforce of one million. Jaipur is the largest manufacturer of colour gemstones. Also, I would like to point out that India is the 3rd largest manufacturer of jewellery. This is the best example of Indian government’s ‘Make in India’ campaign,” said Praveenshankar Pandya, Chairman, GJEPC, in his inaugural speech at the 9th edition of IIJS Signature.

9th edition of IIJS Signature 2016 along with 3rd edition of IGJME was inaugurated on 5th February 2016. Subhash Desai, Hon’ble minister for Industries, Maharashtra was the chief guest for the event, while Andrey Zharkov, President, ALROSA, Russian Federation was the guest of honour for the event. Other dignitaries present at the inauguration ceremony were – Manoj Dwivedi, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Commerce; Praveenshankar Pandya, Chairman, GJEPC; Russell Mehta, Vice-chairman, GJEPC, Saunak Parikh, Convener Exhibitions Sub-Committee (International) and Sabyasachi Ray, Executive Director, GJEPC.

Subhash Desai in his speech extended the support of the state government in all the endeavours of GJEPC. He said “The government has high regards for the gem and jewellery industry as the industry has put the state as well as the country on the global pedestal. Maharashtra is the largest manufacturer of jewellery and the state contributes 15 per cent to the country’s GDP. Of all, 35 per cent of the exports of the gem and jewellery industry take place from the ports in Maharashtra.” He further gave assurance of focussing on skill developments as the gem and jewellery industry is in need of more skilled manpower. He also extended his government’s support in setting up the individual gem and jewellery park and international convention centre, a long pending demand of the industry. He said that currently the government is in the process of finalising land for the proposed gem and jewellery park. He also mentioned that the overall number of clearances for the manufacturing industries has come down from 70 to 37 and the government is trying to reduce it to 25.

Pandya in his speech also pointed out the need for faster refund of VAT. He expressed his concern over impending implementation of GST and its effect on the industry. He pointed out how the lack of business-friendly policies, outdated labour laws and lack of infrastructure in the country has resulted in the loss of business to China. He urged and hoped that the government would implement single window clearances for the industry.

Zharkov in his speech applauded the efforts of the GJEPC in connecting the Indian diamond industry with the leading diamond mining companies of the world. He spoke about the importance of generic promotion of diamonds. He praised the infrastructure facilities available at the SNZ in Mumbai. Considering the slowing economy, he wished for the better 2016 to the Indian diamond industry.