As part of enhancing and encouraging business practices, greater flexibility and accessibility between preferred manufacturers, wholesalers, retailers and people in the gems and jewellery trade, the All India Gems & Jewellery Federation (GJF) organized a two-day Preferred Manufacturers of India Program on January 8 and 9 at the ITC Grand Chola Hotel in Chennai.%% The Preferred Manufacturers of India Program (PMI) is an initiative by GJF in association with the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). PMI was created with the sole purpose of it being a catalyst to developing a smoother supply chain mechanism for people in the jewellery trade. This GJF initiative has received accolades, plaudits and has been hugely appreciated by jewelers from the fraternity.%% The PMI event was a huge success in Chennai. Over 36 Preferred manufacturers of India and 62 retailers from across the southern region – Chennai, Coimbatore, Pondicherry, Bangalore, Cochin and Kerala participated in the PMI. The participants were very appreciative to be part of such an initiative and have expressed their desire to be part of similar such activities.%% N. Anantha Padmanaban Chairman southern region expressed “The PMI was a great opportunity for us to expand and increase our business and it also provided the opportunity to interact with like-minded jewellers from the trade and understand their business needs and requirements. They requested GJF to conduct many such initiatives going forward.”%% Bacchraj Bamalwa, Chairman GJF said, “We at GJF are constantly striving to ensure that the fraternity across the country is consistently being encouraged with platforms like the Preferred Manufacturers of India program; which enhance further business opportunities. Our experience in the past with the PMI platform has been extremely positive and helpful to people in the fraternity. These PMI platforms have in the past been a complete Win-Win for wholesalers, preferred manufactures and retailers.%% The ‘PMI’ program is a marketing opportunity for jewellers to get associated with these Preferred Manufacturers for developing their businesses further. The PMI program comprises 36 Jewellery Preferred manufacturers and wholesalers of south India that offer unique designs, variety, range and finishing. These PMIs have excellent collections to offer to these jewelers in the region and at the same time ensure that the highest level of business ethics and standards are maintained along with great after sales service.%% The product showcased and business discussions were conducted in a very organised and disciplined manner. Each participating buyer was given a detailed schedule of their meetings, along with an assistant to guide and assist them during the meet. This is a great platform to view various jewellery collections in utmost privacy and close business transactions. It is also a great opportunity to meet these preferred manufacturers and wholesalers from across the country at one go.%% Nitin Khandelwal, Chairman, PMI said, "The PMI here has truly been successful event. I have received several queries from a lot of manufacturers inquiring about when future PMI programs will be scheduled. There are plans to have a Grand PMI program wherein preferred manufacturers and retailers across the country will be roped in.”