Strong footfall at India International Jewellery Show
MUMBAI, August 6, 2016 – Turnout was heavy at the India International Jewellery Show (IIJS) and order flow appeared brisk despite concerns over a subdued global economic outlook.
Indian jewellers voiced worries over challenging conditions in key markets, such as the United States; weak polished diamond prices; and a tough environment for securing bank financing.
The Gem and Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) presented the 33rd edition of the annual India International Jewellery Show (IIJS), from 4-8th August 2016 at the Bombay Exhibition Center in Mumbai.
One of the largest gem and jewellery trade shows in Asia, IIJS is a 5-day B2B event and a platform to explore the multi-faceted Indian gem and jewellery industry.
As GJEPC celebrates its 50th golden anniversary, IIJS has expanded to accommodate nearly 1,200 exhibitors, 2,000+ booths, 50,000 sq. ft., 35,000+ visitors from 800+ Indian cities/ towns and 80 countries.
As India’s premier show, IIJS offers the best of India’s expertise and craftsmanship in gold, diamond, silver and coloured stones.
Praveenshankar Pandya (Chairman, GJEPC), Mr. Russell Mehta (Vice Chairman, GJEPC), Mr. Manoj Dwivedi (Jt. Secretary, Ministry of Commerce, Govt. of India), Mr. Bruce Cleaver (CEO, De Beers Group), Mr. Sabyasachi Ray (ED, GJEPC),and Mr. Saunak Parikh (Convener – National Exhibitions Sub-committee, GJEPC) unveiled the commemorative IIJS special catalogue during the opening session of the GJEPC’s India International Jewellery Show (IIJS) on August 4, 2016.
De Beers CEO Bruce Cleaver was the chief guest inaugurating the IIJS 2016 in the presence of Praveenshankar Pandya, Chairman of the GJEPC.
The GJEPC signed MOUs with De Beers, The Guangzhou Diamond Exchange, China, and The Guangdong Gems and Jade Exchange (GDGJE), China.
Praveenshankar Pandya, Chairman, GJEPC, said, “The gems and jewellery sector contributes significantly to India in terms of exports, employment and key economic indicators.
“Every year, we strive to take the IIJS brand a notch higher and this year, too, we have introduced new features, including the Hall of Innovation that will promote excellence in design and innovation; and a separate section dedicated to the micro, small and medium enterprises in the gem and jewellery industry to give them impetus as they are the backbone of the Prime Minister’s Make in India initiative.
“At IIJS 2016, we are hoping to increase the transacted business by at least 15 percent over and above that generated at IIJS 2015.”
The GJEPC has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with De Beers to undertake promotional activities to drive consumer demand for diamond jewellery in India.
The marketing campaign will be run over the key selling season, and the funding will be agreed by both GJEPC and De Beers.
Commenting on the agreement, Mr. Bruce Cleaver, CEO, De Beers Group, said: “I have said before that we must be unrelenting in driving consumer demand so we are very excited about this partnership with GJEPC, a globally acclaimed export trade body.
“India is already one of the world’s most important markets for consumer sales of diamond jewellery and we believe it has an exciting opportunity for further growth.”
