The 11th edition of the India International Gold Convention kick started today afternoon at JW Marriott in Pune. The event is regarded as one of the most important bullion industry conventions in South East Asia. The event started with three important focus sessions: 1) Movement of Gold within India presented by S. Rajkumar of Sequel Logistics; 2) Learning from Chinese Experience of Securing Dore presented by Jorge Ramiro of Emerging Markets Capital; 3) Gold Saving Schemes moderated by Ashok Minawala, Director, GJF and discussed amongst Fatehchand Ranka of Ranka Jewellers and Jatin Chedda of Chedda Jewellers.

The day progressed into the inaugural function and welcoming of the chief guest His Excellency Javier Paulinich, the Ambassador of Peru to India. His ambassador thanked the organisers for the opportunity and suggested the talks of introducing Free Trade Agreement between India and Peru, by next year. The other dignitaries presiding over the function were G Srivatsava, President, Foretell Business Solutions, Rajesh Khosla, MD, MMTC-PAMP and Rujan Panjwani of Edelweiss Financial Services.

The next in schedule was the key address note by Jeremy East of Standard Chartered Bank. He spoke about the changing global bullion market landscape and the relevance of India. But, his note highlighted the relevance of China which is playing the most pivotal role in world gold segment.

The round table conference discussing the roadmap for the bullion industry for the next 10 years was next in line followed by the IIGC Awards.

The first day concluded with a gala dinner and networking as the delegates pondered upon the proceedings and revelations made during the day.

Watch this space for more details on tomorrow's proceedings.