Bengaluru, July 22, 2024: Under the direction of Chairman Shri Vipul Shah, a delegation from the Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) held fruitful discussions with prominent figures from the local gem and jewelry trade as well as the Kashmir Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KCCI) and All Kashmir Gold Dealer Association. Mr. Ashok Seth, Regional Chairman-North; Mr. Kirit Bhansali, Vice Chairman; Mr. Nirav Bhansali, Convener of the National Exhibitions Subcommittee; Mr. Sabyasachi Ray, Executive Director; and other Board members of Council were also present from GJEPC.
The following members of the Kashmir gem and jewelry fraternity attended the meeting: Among the members of the Kashmiri trade community are Javed Ahmad Tenga, President of the Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry; Ashiq Hussain, Senior Vice President; Faiz Ahmed Bakshi, Secretary General; Zahoor A, Past President; Shaheen Gajwan, Member; Bashir Ahmad Rather, President of the All-Kashmir Gold Dealer Association; Hilal Ahmad Zargar, Member; A S Rehman Challoo, Former Member; Proshtam Lal, General Secretary; Zammer Kawa from Kawa Jewellery, as well as other Kashmiri trade members.
The Chairman of the GJEPC, Vipul Shah, commented on the first-ever meeting with the Kashmiri gem and jewelry trade, saying, “We had a very productive discussion with trade members of Kashmir.” Our dedication lies on elevating the status of Kashmiri sapphires and providing skilled local artisans with advanced tools. This program is in line with our goal of bolstering the gem and jewelry industry by promoting expansion, global recognition, and increased exports from the area. We express our heartfelt gratitude to the Kashmiri trade for their participation and anticipate future successful partnerships.”
“We recognize the significant potential and interest of Kashmiri jewelry among the Iranian and Central Asian communities,” Vipul Shah continued. Our partnership with the Kashmiri trade seeks to increase the fine craftsmanship’s influence and global reach. Customers from these areas are drawn to the distinctive fusion of contemporary design features with ancient Kashmiri artistry, and they value each piece’s exquisite craftsmanship and elegance greatly.
Kirit Bhansali, Vice Chairman of GJEPC, declared his intention to help the region’s gem and jewelry trade reach international markets and offered the Council’s assistance via IJEX in Dubai. He urged jewelers to take advantage of the Council’s formation in order to increase their exports. By offering a year-round B2B event platform, the GJEPC’s IJEX in Dubai helps its members exhibit their goods and get orders from foreign clients, thus increasing their market presence in the United Arab Emirates.
Javed Ahmad Tenga, President of KCCI, expressed his appreciation and anticipation for collaborating with GJEPC to enhance the gem and jewellery trade in Kashmir.
Key Highlights:
- Promoting Kashmiri Sapphires: GJEPC commits to partnering with the local community to identify and enhance the popularity of Kashmir’s renowned sapphires, aiming to elevate their market recognition both domestically and internationally.
- Skill Development Initiative: GJEPC proposed comprehensive training programs for aspiring students and Karigars at its institutes, aimed at nurturing local craftsmanship and enhancing skills crucial for the industry’s growth.
- Upcoming Outreach Programs: GJEPC announced plans to organize dedicated outreach programs in Kashmir, aimed at facilitating and promoting local trade and manufacturing activities. Additionally, GJEPC plans to conduct an outreach program in North India.
In addition, GJEPC extended a warm invitation to a Kashmiri delegation to participate in the prestigious IIJS Premiere 2024 show, to be held in Mumbai. During discussions, the trade members from Kashmir expressed keen interest in showcasing Kashmiri jewellery at this esteemed event, and GJEPC Chairman assured them of full support in this endeavour.
These initiatives underscore GJEPC’s commitment to fostering collaboration, promoting regional gems, and advancing the gem and jewellery industry’s growth across India.
During the meeting, Nirav Bhansali, Convener, National Exhibitions, GJEPC briefed them about the upcoming IIJS Premiere Show.
India International Jewellery Show (IIJS) Premiere, one of the world’s largest B2B gems and jewellery shows. Scheduled to take place in two prestigious venues in Mumbai: The Jio World Convention Centre (JWCC), BKC, Bandra, from 8th to 12th August 2024, and The Bombay Exhibition Centre (BEC), Goregaon, from 9th to 13th August 2024. IIJS Premiere will feature over 2,100 exhibitors and 3,600 stalls, attracting 50,000+ trade visitors from 80+ countries.
Running concurrently with IIJS Premiere 2024 is IGJME Premiere, a prominent Machinery and Allied Expo taking place from August 9-13, 2024, at the Bombay Exhibition Centre in Mumbai. This event will feature over 220 companies and 320 stalls, showcasing the latest in machinery and technology. Notably, the expo will also include an Italy Pavilion, highlighting international participation and the global reach of the exhibition.
