GJEPC celebrates silver jubilee anniv of its Eastern Regional office

Kolkata: The Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC), India’s apex trade body sponsored by the Union Ministry of Commerce & Industry, celebrated the Silver Jubilee (25th) anniversary of Eastern Regional Office, in Kolkata.

Vipul Shah, Chairman, GJEPC, Kirit Bhansali, Vice Chairman, GJEPC, Sabyasachi Ray, ED, GJEPC, Pankaj Parekh, Regional Chairman, Eastern India, GJEPC, Suvankar Sen, MD & CEO, Senco Gold & Diamonds and Member SEZ Committee, GJEPC. Many members and luminaries from the gem & jewellery sector marked the milestone by attending a gala event at The Bengal Paddle Jetty in Kolkata. Shivaji H Dange, IRS, Principal Commissioner of Customers, Airport & ACC Kolkata graced the momentous occasion as the chief guest.

Vipul Shah, Chairman, GJEPC, highlighted the Council’s commitment to driving growth. He said: “The Indian gem and jewellery market, currently valued at USD 85 billion, is poised for rapid growth, projected to reach USD 130 billion by 2030. GJEPC is gearing up for growth with a slew of initiatives.” Speaking about the recent collaboration with De Beers Group, Shah said: “GJEPC has invested Rs 150 crore in the global generic promotion of diamonds till date. To strengthen this effort, GJEPC has partnered with De Beers for promotion of diamonds through Retail Alliance in India, with a formal MoU was signed at a special event on 7 January.”

GJEPC is also planning to make Singur as a global export hub for fashion and costume jewellery. Singur has a skilled workforce of around 1 lakh Bengali kaarigars, who are working in manufacturing units located in and around Singur, Hooghly.

In fact, 20% of the workforce are women and the development of Singur as an export hub will give a boost to the local cottage industry too.