Despite gold price hitting an all-time high, IIJS Tritiya attracted quality buyers from South India. The show was timed strategically, making it conducive for retailers from the major cities of South India to stock right in time for both Akshaya Tritiya and the following wedding season. Having the show in Bengaluru, one of South India’s major cities, was also an excellent move by the organisers.

The inauguration of IIJS Tritiya 2023 was graced by Dr. Murugesh R. Nirani, Minister for Large and Medium Industries, Government of Karnataka (Chief Guest); and T. S. Kalyanaraman, Managing Director of Kalyan Jewellers (Guest of Honour); along with Vipul Jewellers had high expectations from the maiden edition of IIJS Tritiya -- the timing was perfect, with the event coinciding with Akshaya Tritaya, one of the most important events for South Indian jewellers SOUTH INDIAN MARKET PLEASED WITH IIJS TRITIYA IIJS TRITIYA Shah, Chairman, GJEPC; Kirit Bhansali, Vice Chairman, GJEPC; R. Arulanandan, Director of the Department of Commerce; Suresh Kumar Ganna, President, Jewellers Association Bengaluru; Nirav Bhansali, Convener, National Exhibitions, GJEPC; Sabyasachi Ray, ED, GJEPC, along with others. Speaking at the event, Nirani said, “Karnataka is one state with multiple opportunities and possibilities and Bengaluru is the epicenter of South India’s domestic and international trade. After establishing leadership position in technology, IT services, software, electronic manufacturing services, mobile phone handsets and semi-conductors, we are now aspiring to enhance our gem & jewellery business as this industry contributes significantly to India’s exports.

The upcoming gem & jewellery park in Karnataka will become a significant hub of South India and generate more than 1 lakh jobs.”

Karnataka is one state with multiple opportunities and possibilities and Bengaluru is the epicenter of South India’s domestic and international trade. After establishing leadership position in technology, IT services, software, electronic manufacturing services, mobile phone handsets and semiconductors, we are now aspiring to enhance our gem & jewellery business as this industry contributes significantly to India’s exports. The upcoming gem & jewellery park in Karnataka will become a significant hub of South India and generate more than 1 lakh jobs. MURUGESH R. NIRANI Minister for Large and Medium Industries, Government of Karnataka

Guest of Honour T. S. Kalyanaraman said, “The gem & jewellery business undergoes constant evolution and participating in IIJS shows regularly has helped in keeping us updated with the times. IIJS Tritiya is a great opportunity for South Indian entrepreneurs in the gem & jewellery business to make their mark and connect to international and domestic buyers. I remember how I started off as a third-generation entrepreneur three decades back and have finally reached this stage today thanks to the support and initiatives of GJEPC

We are already witnessing a surge in exports from this state. From April 2022 to February 2023, the gem and jewellery exports from Karnataka experienced a remarkable growth of 169%, reaching USD 150.33 million, as compared to last year. The show presents exporters from southern India the opportunity to take their business to the next level. Currently India’s overall gem & jewellery exports account for USD 40 billion and our goal is to reach USD 75 billion exports by 2030 VIPUL SHAH Chairman, GJEPC

Sharing his thoughts, Shah said, “IIJS Tritiya is poised to act as a catalyst for further advancement of the gem and jewellery industry in Karnataka, benefiting both manufacturers and retailers. We are already witnessing a surge in exports from this state. From April 2022 to February 2023, the gem and jewellery exports from Karnataka experienced a remarkable growth of 169%, reaching USD 150.33 million, as compared to last year. The show presents exporters from southern India the opportunity to take their business to the next level. Currently India’s overall gem & jewellery exports account for USD 40 billion and our goal is to reach USD 75 billion exports by 2030.” “This exhibition not only offers exhibitors a chance to showcase their products but also provides them with

invaluable insights into the diverse markets and their ever-changing tastes and trends,” added Shah. GJEPC and Jewellers Association Bengaluru (JAB) also signed an MoU during the inauguration with an objective of working towards the enhancement and development of jewellery manufacturing and trade in Karnataka. Speaking on the collaboration with Jewellers Association Bengaluru, Shah said, “GJEPC is supporting the Jewellers Association Bengaluru, in setting up a Jewellery Park in Karnataka. Discussions are underway with the state Government regarding the allocation and finalisation of land for the project. This initiative aims to offer efficient assistance to jewellery manufacturers and traders seeking to expand their operations in the state of Karnataka. The project is expected to generate 1 lakh additional jobs in the sector for the people of Karnataka.” Bhansali (Kirit) said, “GJEPC is grateful to Dr. Murugesh R. Nirani, Minister for Large and Medium Industries, Karnataka, for his vision and support to increasing gem & jewellery exports. Since its inception 38 years ago, IIJS has surpassed its role as a conventional exhibition and has become the primary national platform for the Indian jewellery manufacturing industry to network with global retailers.” “IIJS, as a B2B platform, has been instrumental in promoting and developing the gem & jewellery business in India. IIJS Tritiya along with Signature and Premiere, are likely to generate business of over Rs. 1 lakh Crore in 2023. We are also targeting to plant 1 lakh trees this year under the “One Earth” initiative towards our ultimate aim of making all our shows carbon-neutral,” said Bhansali (Nirav). IIJS Tritiya, the third exhibition under the IIJS banner, featured more than 800 exhibitors and over 1,500 stalls spread across Halls 4 and 5, covering an area of 45,000 square meters.