The Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council kick-started the IIJS Premiere 2021, one of Asia’s leading Gem & Jewellery trade exhibitions, in Bangalore today.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by Smt. Anupriya Patel, Hon’ble Minister of
State for Commerce & Industry, Ministry of Commerce & Industry (through video
conference); Shri Murugesh Nirani, Hon’ble Minister of Large and Medium Industries,
Govt. of Karnataka; Shri Ramana Reddy, Additional Chief Secretary, Department of
Commerce & Industries, Govt. of Karnataka; Shri S Suresh Kumar, Joint Secretary,
Department of Commerce, Ministry of Commerce & Industry; Shri Colin Shah, Chairman, GJEPC; Shri Vipul Shah, Vice Chairman, GJEPC; Shri Shailesh Sangani, Convener, National Exhibitions, GJEPC; Shri Mahendra Tayal, Regional Chairman South Region; and Shri Sabyasachi Ray, ED, GJEPC.
Smt. Anupriya Patel, who addressed the audience virtually, formally announced the show opening. She noted that the gem and jewellery industry is a prominent sector which generates huge employment opportunities. “Despite not having precious resources, the industry is the world leader in diamond cutting and manufacturing, and is among the largest exporters of gems and jewellery. The industry’s contribution towards the ‘Make In India’ initiative is successful and aligned with the vision of our Prime Minister. A number of measures in terms of policy and duty structure introduced recently will help the industry to grow in the coming times.”
Shri Murugesh Nirani said, “On behalf of our Karnataka state government, I would like to note that I am happy to be part of this prestigious show. Karnataka is a mineral-rich state and is the only one which produces gold from the Hutti Gold Mines and the Kolar Gold fields. We are aiming to increase the production from 1,700 kg to 5,000 kg. In terms of value addition, we will be opening jewellery retail stores to promote gold, and the state is also planning to sell gold coins and hoping to partner with private jewellers. We are also planning a huge jewellery park in the economically backward Kalaburagi area. We want to make it the best jewellery park and are looking to seek concessions for those who would like to partner with us. We will be holding the Global Investors Meet in November 2022 as our state has many opportunities to tap. I invite all the entrepreneurs to visit the event.”
Shri Ramana Reddy commented, “We are a progressive state and we invite you all to strengthen the industry’s fabric and the economy. We are number one in silk, milk, coffee and gold. We are happy that the Council decided to hold the event in Bengaluru. I request that they should announce the show dates for the next year by the time show ends on 19 th September. We are planning to start a modern jewellery park and urge the industry to set up base here as well. We will work out all the modalities to give the much-needed fillip to the sector.”