It was a significant moment for the Indian gem and jewellery companies participating at the ongoing BaselWorld 2011, as the India Pavillion hosted by the Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) was inaugurated today by Hon’ble Minister of Commerce & Industry, Mr. Anand Sharma, India and Mr. Didier Burkhalter, Federal Councilor, Head of the Federal Department of Home Affairs, Switzerland. Altogether 53 of the top Indian Gem & Jewellery traders are exhibiting at the pavilion.

This year, India would be represented on a grander scale as compared to the past years at BaselWorld, with GJPEC presenting ‘The India Show’ at the behest of the Indian government. Mr. Sharma also inaugurated the India Evening on 25th March. India Evening highlighted Indian culture to a host of global players familiarising them with Indian products, its people and tradition. There also was an exclusive jewellery catwalk. The following seven days of India Evening, will see cultural & jewellery fashion presentations accompanied by authentic Indian cuisine prepared by master chefs from ITC, Delhi, India. Mr. Sharma added, that “The Government this year has entrusted the GJEPC with the task of organizing the India Show at Basel World 2011 to not just promote Indian jewellery but to showcase India’s untapped trading potential at this global platform. I feel great pride to be a part of this global event.”

Taking this opportunity, Mr. Sharma addressed a high level delegation of Watch makers of Switzerland such as Rolex, Raymond Weil, Blancpain, Chopard, Tissot, Tag Heuer, amongst others, to establish long term ties and encourage Swiss brands to set up manufacturing base in India to develop product and establish retail set ups. He also deliberated with the Indian Diamond Traders based in Antwerp to establish their base in India, a step towards making India the Global Jewellery Hub. He would focus on the Trade and Policy issues that impact their business in India and the advantages Antwerp offers in facilitating the same.

Mr. Rajiv Jain, Chairman, GJEPC, “India Gems & Jewellery exports are expected to grow at a whopping 35 percent in 2011. With our participation at Basel World, the Council aims at increasing the trade intensity towards India. With the support of Government of India and specially Mr. Anand Sharma, GJEPC today is a step closer to creating Brand India & establishing India as the global trading hub.”

GJEPC unveiled its Corporate Campaign, which epitomizes India being the art and soul of jewellery and focuses on India being the Design Destination , moving from being a just a Global Manufacturing Hub.