The former Vice Chairman of The Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council,  Shri Pankaj Kumar Parekh was honoured with the " Order of Merit of The Italian Republic", the highest ranking honour of that country, in appreciation of his efforts at enhancing bilateral trade.

Parekh also holds key posts in industry bodies such as IBJA and SSBC amongst others and has been the Chairman of The Indo-Italian Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Eastern Region since 2004.

The award, which was conferred on him by the President of Italy, was presented by The Consul General of Italy in Kolkata, Mr Damiano Francovigh, at a grand function held at the Italian Consulate on December 28, 2019.

A number of prominent captains of industry, senior bureaucrats, socialites and celebrities, as well as many diplomats representing different countries were present on the occasion.

The ‘Order of Merit’ was founded by the senior order of Knighthood by the second President of the Italian Republic V.J. Nowadin in the year 1951, and it is the highest ranking honour of the Republic. An official statement said, “The President has granted this Order for Mr Parekh's esteemed contribution in making friendship between Italy and India that has strengthened the bilateral economic relationship.”

Pic caption: Pankaj Parekh receiving the “Order of Merit” from The Consul General of Italy in Kolkata, Mr Damiano Francovigh

Pic courtesy: Italian Consulate

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