Ashwani Kumar, minister of state for Industries, Government of India, and Sanjay Kothari, chairman of Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC), and Krirkkrai Jirapaet, commerce minister of Republic of Thailand, declared the opening of GJEPC’s 24th India International Jewellery Show (IIJS). Krirkkrai Jirapaet is also guest of honour at the event, taking place on August 30-September 3, 2007.
Speaking at the inauguration, Ashwani Kumar said, “Gems and jewellery is one of the most important sectors contributing to India’s export basket. One of the biggest effects of economic liberalisation and globalisation has been the radical change that has come about in the gem and jewellery sector, particularly on the retail front. The industry provides employment to nearly 30 lakh people and the need of the hour is to fill the gap of jewellery designing and manufacturing specialists required in the sector for its further growth. I heartily congratulate GJEPC’s efforts in making the IIJS a premium international show for the last 24 years.”
This year, there is a relatively greater number of participants with 720 domestic and 118 international companies, in 1,566 stalls spread across 50,000 square metres segregated by product categories. Many of the international participants will be housed in their country pavilions organised by Antwerp World Diamond Center, Italian Trade Commission, Thai Gems & Jewellery Traders Association, and Dubai Gold & Jewellery Group. Participating countries include China, Thailand, Russia, Pakistan and Ukraine.
Sanjay Kothari said, “IIJS provides an opportunity to view the best India has to offer. Over the last six years, since the show has moved to being a B2B show, the IIJS has become an occasion wherein wholesalers and retail jewellers from across the globe meet in Mumbai to plan their purchases, view the latest collections, and develop new contacts and suppliers.”
One of the attractions this year is the Traditional Jewellery Pavilion, which will showcase the age-old jewellery crafting technique of filigree. The pavilion designed by National Institute of Design celebrates India’s rich heritage in jewellery designing and craftsmanship.
– Mumbai Bureau
