GJEPC chairman Colin Shah expounded on the way forward for boosting manufacturing and exports. Shah noted that the Council will focus on promoting ease of doing business for the sector, through measures such as the elimination of paperwork and simplification of import-export procedures, especially amid the pandemic. “It is a big laundry list. These steps will make it easier for ‘Make in India’ and exports,” he said.

The immediate priorities would be increasing gold supply for exports and promoting the trade through e-commerce, supported by a proper e-commerce policy.

Shah added that the Council would educate its members on promoting digitalisation in their companies. Further, he added thrust would be given to upgrade the Indian testing and certifying laboratories and make them globally recognised.

"We will also be holding virtual buyer-seller meetings, as there are travel restrictions due to the spread of Covid-19,” he noted.

On the exports of gems and jewellery, he said that as the lockdown is gradually opening up globally, exports may start rising from September-October this year.

"But, in terms of full recovery in exports, it will at least take 12-18 months," he added.