(PRESS RELEASE) The Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) presented the global trade with two opportunities to commence the 2020 buying season with the 13th edition of IIJS Signature and the 7th edition of India Gem & Jewellery Machinery Expo (IGJME), held Feb 13-16 at the Bombay Exhibition Centre in Goregaon, Mumbai.
IIJS Signature was inaugurated by Mr. Subhash Desai, Hon. Minister for Industries & Mining, Maharashtra State, along with Mr. Pramod Kumar Agrawal (Chairman, GJEPC); Mr. Colin Shah (Vice Chairman, GJEPC), Mr. Mansukh Kothari (Co-Convener Exhibitions and COA Member, GJEPC), Mr. Kirit Bhansali (Co-Convener Exhibitions & COA-Diamond Panel, GJEPC), Mr. Sabyasachi Ray (Executive Director, GJEPC), Mr. Shailesh Sangani (Member, National Exhibitions Sub-Committee, GJEPC), Mr. Russell Mehta (former VC and Advisor to Chairman, GJEPC) and Mr. Ashok Gajera (Regional Chairman, GJEPC) amongst others.
The dignitaries also unveiled the IIJS Signature 2020 and IGJME catalogue, as well as the Jewellery Manufacturing Excellence Handbook, a compilation of the 20 papers presented during the India Jewellery Manufacturing Excellence Symposium.
IIJS Signature 2020 was billed as a showcase of premium jewelry from India to launch the new buying season.
The event hosted more than 700 exhibitors and 1,300 booths and was expected to attract more than 18,000 visitors (with 12,000 pre-registered) from over 325 cities and towns in India and more than 55 countries globally.
One highlight of this year’s event was the brand-new “Jewellery Startup Zone” in Hall 6, which was created to promote emerging designers and female entrepreneurs.
Addressing the inaugural session, Mr. Pramod Kumar Agrawal, Chairman, GJEPC, said, “IIJS Signature, a show of international stature, is the first trade show of the calendar year and regarded as the nerve centre of jewelry design and technology. IIJS Signature is now seen an integral part of Indian jeweler’s business cycle. Participants at each stage of the supply chain — from raw material suppliers to manufacturers, designers, wholesalers and retailers — are growing and consolidating their business. This year, IIJS Signature has a Jewellery Startup Zone, which features the work of 16 handpicked women entrepreneurs and 16 budding jewellery designers to encourage talent and enterprise. Two coinciding events Design Inspirations and The Artisan Awards will elevate design consciousness.”
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GJEPC is also launching a new show in Jaipur called India Gem & Jewellery Show, which will be held from 1 to 3 April 2020. The event focuses on international buyers.
Regarding some common concerns of the Indian jewelry industry, Agrawal said: “We have been pursuing our government constantly with few concerns which requires immediate attention.”
These include a reduction in import duty on precious metals from 12.5% to 4%; reduction of import duty on cut and polished diamonds and gemstones from 7.5% to 2.5%; and an amendment in taxation laws enabling the sale of rough diamonds in Mumbai’s special notified zone (SNZ). Said Agrawal: “This is very important to give a level playing field to our traders in global market.”
IIJS Signature provides the country’s leading manufacturers and retailers an opportunity to exchange market insights and knowledge, as well as offering business networking opportunities.
Event visitors were also able to witness IGJME, Asia’s largest gem & jewelry technology fair. IGJME is a strategic initiative of GJEPC planned to help manufacturers to witness new ideas, check out emerging technologies and learn new production techniques. Technologies exhibited at the show could improve the quality of the products while minimizing raw material wastage. The use of the latest equipment and technology will be a crucial component of India’s vision of becoming the leading jewellery hub in the world.
IGJME lets visitors interact with leading suppliers of machinery, tools, components, packaging accessories and allied products from all over the globe, including laser machines, computerized yield planning machines, advanced bruiting lathes, diamond impregnated scaife, and more.
For more details, visit the websites for IIJS Signature and IGJME.
