Gems and Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) recently presented the 34th annual awards for the gem and jewellery industry. Minister of Commerce and Industry Kamal Nath was present at the occasion as chief guest, along with Guest of Honour Ch. Prem Singh, speaker, Delhi Legislative Assembly.
Sanjay Kothari, chairman, GJEPC, observed, “Despite difficult market conditions in recent years, the industry has continued to register a strong growth and the credit for this must be given to the exporters from different segments. The progressive policies of governments have also provided considerable support.” He added, “Our annual awards function facilitates those leaders of the industry who have been at the forefront of growth. I congratulate all the winners and urge the whole industry to emulate their example and seek further avenue for expansion in the coming years.”
Nath said, “The gem and jewellery industry has emerged as the key sector in achieving the goal of doubling on percentage share of global merchandise trade by 2009. Last year it accounted for nearly 12 per cent of our commodity exports. India is the largest processor of diamonds in the world. Our exports of gold jewellery are also showing a healthy upward trend. The key factors for this have been enabling policy support from the government, craftsmanship and enterprise of the industry. I look forward to the continuous growth of the industry and convey my felicitations to the award winners and others associated with the industry for their commendable work.”
The annual awards are an initiative by GJEPC in order to honour exporters on the basis of export performance, value additions, employment generation and expenditure on R&D during the year 2006-07. In addition to exporters, the council also felicitates importers from different parts of the world.
– Mumbai Bureau
