Mumbai July 29, 2008: The Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) India, today proudly announced the 25th edition of the International Jewellery Show (IIJS) 2008. IIJS is the year’s most significant event for India’s gem and jewellery industry. Staged at NSE Complex, Goregaon East, one of Mumbai’s premium exhibition locations each year, the show is scheduled from August 7 to 11, 2008. %% IIJS Gets Bigger and Better %% Announcing the grand show, Sanjay Kothari, Chairman, Gems and Jewellery Export Promotion Council said, ‘‘Innovation’ is the central theme of IIJS 2008. The objective is to instill creative thinking not only in the jewellery production but also in the field of business management.” Mr. Kothari went on to stress that the Rs.3000 crore sourcing event in its 25th edition this year was slated to be bigger than ever before. He revealed that this year the IIJS had over 19,000 pre-registered visitors, 790 exhibitors and over 1600 booths. %% From a major foreign exchange earner to modern forward looking sector %% Reminiscing IIJS history, Kothari informed that the event gathered steady momentum over the years from a humble 34 participants in 1985 to nearly 800 participants this year. Kothari proudly noted, “International pavilions, participation, visitors and buyers has increased tenfold and now IIJS acts as a platform to enter the high-growth Indian jewellery market and forge new alliances.” India’s gems and jewellery exports has reached 20 bn in 2007-08 and “IIJS is a major contributor towards this end,” Kothari added. %% According to Navin Jashnani, Convenor IIJS, “Today, IIJS is not only the most important date in the calendar for Indian Jewellery industry; it is also the catalyst for its transformation into a modern and forward looking sector. Ever since IIJS became a ‘trade-only’ event ten years ago, it has been the platform for encouraging efficient purchase and inventory models and brought jewelers from around the country to network and collaborate for better business growth and profits.” %% All Roads lead to IIJS 2008 %% The IIJS 2008 boasts 7 country pavilions which include those from Italy, Belgium, Thailand, Japan, Dubai, Turkey and Israel, making this a truly global sourcing event. Delegations from Hungary, Uzbekistan, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand, Israel and Iran will be visiting the show. Kothari promises that this year IIJS will feature some excellent events and outstanding displays to commemorate the silver jubilee of the event. Responding to a query regarding security arrangements made taking into account the recent volatile situation in the country, Kothari assured that there is no cause to worry as the security of the highest order has been put in place.