IIJS Signature strengthens India’s place in the global G&J market

Upon the conclusion of IIJS Signature, Goa, on 23 February 2009, the intent of the event organisers - The Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC), to build and promote "Brand India", seems to have gone down well with exhibitors and those attending the show. Inroads into new markets were the highlight of the show, as the Council forged partnerships with emerging diamond markets of the world. This by invitation show, witnessed crème de la crème of Indian jewellery fraternity, with 72 top jewellers of India showcasing their brands/products ranging from essentials to Luxury, with wide ranged plain and studded jewellery. The global recession did not dampen the show participation, as it witnessed 1000 visitors, 250 from abroad and 750 from India. Also, 10 trade delegations from China, Syria, Uzbekistan, Hungary, Azerbaijan, Poland, UAE, Russia, Iran and Ukraine, attended.

Mr. Vasant Mehta, Chairman, GJEPC, “In keeping with our objective of leveraging the Industry’s reach to international markets, we have reached agreements with China, Russia, Iran and other CIS countries for promoting our diamond and jewellery products in these regions. With exports being limited to US and Europe, India is making an endeavour to make inroads in other potential destinations. Signature is an apt platform to build such foundations and forge partnerships for times to come " The GJEPC has signed an MoU with the Shanghai Diamond Exchange, making it possible to sell processed diamonds from India in the region, with China being the fastest growing jewellery manufacturing centre. In the past, GJEPC has taken Indian diamantaires to Schenzen and Shanghai to promote Indian diamonds. The agreement now extends to Beijing and Panyu too. With Russia and Iran, GJEPC has mutually agreed to host buyer seller meets in Syria, Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan, Poland and Ukraine, and have invited them all to participate in IIJS 2009.

This year hosted the 2nd edition of the IIJS Signature, Goa, in which, eminent industry professionals conducted knowledge sharing platforms. Two seminars were organised, namely - ‘Trend Jewelry Forecasting 2010’ by TJF Group, Italy, Diamond Industry – New Realities by Martin Rapaport. "Transformation Journey for Indian Jewelry Retail - Taking Stock" , was a panel discussion moderated by Neelesh Hundekari, AT Kearney. The event was held at Kala Academy, Panjim, Goa, from 20th February – 23rd February, 2009. It was inaugurated by the Chief Guest Shri Digambar Kamat, Chief Minister, Government of Goa, and the Guest of Honour, Shi Pratap Singh Rane, Speaker, Goa Legislative Assembly.

IIJS Signature, a name parallel to quality, design & craftsmanship was conceptualised by the Council to promote Indian jewellery houses that offer products from Couture to mass produced, in a vast price range, to suit international demands.