The Gem and Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) unveiled the first of its kind India Jewellery Exposition (IJEX) centre in Dubai on March 29. IJEX is a Global Business Touchpoint to connect with international buyers, especially for GJEPC members. The centre was inaugurated by the Union Minister of Commerce & Industry, Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution and Textiles, Piyush Goyal, along with Dr Aman Puri, Consul General of India, Dubai; Dr Srikar Reddy, Joint Secretary, (WANA), DOC; Colin Shah, Chairman, GJEPC; Lachlan Gyde, Executive Director, Ithara; Vipul Shah, Vice Chairman, GJEPC; and Sabyasachi Ray, ED, GJEPC; among others.

IJEX is a one-stop destination for the world to source Indian jewellery in Dubai. The platform will enable GJEPC members to display goods and book orders throughout the year. The 365-day exhibition will promote specific categories of ‘Made in India’ gems & jewellery, divided into four seasons, each lasting three months.

On this occasion, GJEPC signed an agreement with ITHRA, Dubai, a body under the Ministry of Economy of UAE, which who has built the New Gold Souk as the extension of the existing Gold Souk in Deira, Dubai. IJEX based in ITHRA, will house IJEX in Dubai, which in future, will be an anchor to expand the market to GCC countries.

Congratulating GJEPC for establishing its first international office in Dubai, Goyal, in his address, said, “IJEX 2022 will probably be the first serious engagement between UAE and India after the signing of the CEPA, which will be coming into force on 1st May. I am sure that this Centre will play an important role in helping us meet ambitious targets for the trade relations between UAE and India. The Indian Government is actively promoting Brand India, and the gem and jewellery is one of our main focus sectors in our engagement of expanded global outreach.”

Expressing confidence in the Indian gem & jewellery sector, Goyal further added, “India has the potential to become the global gem and jewellery champion. It should tap new markets, develop incisive marketing tools, create irresistible, contemporary designs for the world market that will help in promoting Brand India. The Indian gem and jewellery sector can easily achieve the 100-billion target. You have the ‘will do’ spirit and passion. I wish IJEX a huge success and I am sure this will be a window for the finest Indian jewellers to the UAE and the world.”

Colin Shah, Chairman, GJEPC said, “IJEX by GJEPC is a one-stop destination for the world to source Indian jewellery in Dubai. This India jewellery enclave now in Dubai will be the window to the country’s best jewellers and offer a glimpse of India’s varied manufacturing capabilities. The timely conclusion of the UAE-India CEPA in the run-up to the IJEX launch is expected to push India’s gold

jewellery exports to UAE to $10 billion.”

Vipul Shah, Vice Chairman, GJEPC, said “The Indian gem and jewellery sector will be benefitted the most from the India-UAE CEPA, and this new initiative of GJEPC – IJEX in Dubai -- will be an ideal launchpad for Indian wholesalers and manufacturers to connect with foreign buyers. The partnership will also enable Indian independent and chain-store retailers to export jewellery directly to UAE-based consumers.”

Dr Aman Puri, Consul General of India to Dubai, said, “Many congratulations to the GJEPC for the launch of their first international centre in Dubai. Extremely happy that UAE and India are at an inflection point with the joint collaboration and we expect the exports to double in the coming months. Going forward, we will be able to capitalize on the opportunities that have opened up.”

Lachlan Gyde, Executive Director, ITHRA, said, “On behalf of ITHRA, we take pleasure in welcoming GJEPC to the City of Gold. It’s the Council’s first international office, and we look forward to a successful collaboration. The success of this new extended precinct will help traders and industry and community at large. We are happy to bring an international flavour to ITHRA and thank GJEPC as one of our new partners. We welcome a whole new generation of gems and jewellery traders from India to Dubai.”