The 37th edition of IIJS Premiere 2021, the flagship trade show held in Bengaluru by India’s Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC), revived the local economy, not just of the gems and jewellery sector, but of other peripheral sectors associated with organising the show, including transport, hotels, retail and restaurants. Many hotels in Bengaluru reported 100% occupancy around the show dates.
IIJS had more than 1,300 exhibitors and more than 21,000 visitors, including over 300 international buyers.
India’s largest and Asia’s third largest show has generated substantial business, according to the GJEPC.
“The success of IIJS Premiere 2021 is a clear indication that the gem and jewellery industry has shrugged off the pandemic’s effects on the sector and the economy at large,” it said.
The event implemented measures to ensure full compliance with safety norms.
A major hurdle was the relocation of IIJS Premiere. The show had to move out of its permanent base for almost 30 years, the Bombay Exhibition Centre in Mumbai, as the state reserved this location as a Covid centre until early 2022.
It was mandatory for every person attending the show to get at least one dose of vaccination with a negative RT-PCR test done at least 48 hours prior to entry.
The venue had a Covid Testing Centre along with an ambulance, quarantine room, and a doctor on call.
Colin Shah, Chairman, GJEPC, said, “We are already witnessing a surge in exports and are confident that the industry will achieve the export target of $43.75 billion this year and contribute more than 10% of Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s target of achieving $400 billion in total merchandise exports.”
