The foundation stone for the India Jewellery Park, a landmark mega-project that aims to take jewellery manufacturing in India to a new level was laid today at a function graced by the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Maharashtra Shri Devendra Fadnavis, Hon’ble Union Minister of Commerce Industry & Civil Aviation Shri Suresh Prabhu and Mahrashatra’s Minister of Industries & Mining Shri Subhash Desai in the presence of a number of other dignitaries from the industry and government.

The Park, which is expected to become operational within the next few years, will offer an expected 4 mn sq ft of built up area that can house small, medium and large jewellery manufacturing units, as well as all the modern support facilities and infrastructure they would require. The project will entail an investment of nearly Rs 14,500 crore, generate employment for nearly one lakh persons and turnover of about Rs. 41,500 crore each year, the GJEPC said.

“The new park will be the realisation of a dream we all had,” said Shri Fadnavis, recalling how it was one of the proposals that had been discussed at his very first interaction with industry representatives shortly after his government came to power. “We put the proposal on a fast track to ensure that it takes shape at the earliest, and now we will work closely with the industry to create a truly unique manufacturing set-up, the best of its kind in the world,” he added.

Fadnavis assured the gathering that the relevant departments would work closely with the industry to see that permissions were received on time, and would also coordinate with the central government to provide the requisite infrastructure and other support systems. “It is our dream to make Maharashtra the first trillion-dollar sub economy in India, and having a jewellery park that can generate employment, boost trade and exports and attract global investors and buyers will play an important role in helping us get there.”

The CM also assured the industry that the government would provide full support for setting up a world-class Gem & Jewellery University in the state if the industry took steps in that direction.

Expressing his gratitude to the state government in getting the Jewellery Park project off the ground in record time, Shri Suresh Prabhu said, “To meet the ever-increasing demand of our robust domestic market and international market, it is crucial that we facilitate this industry, which comprises majorly MSME units, with proper environment, infrastructure and technology so that they can innovate and cater to the different markets in the world.”

He further said that the ministry would work closely with the industry and the state government to develop the India Jewellery Park, Mumbai as an integrated industrial park with all facilities under one roof. “The project will include manufacturing units, commercial areas, residences for industrial workers, and commercial support services. By providing our karigars and jewellery traders with state-of-the-art facilities, I am sure we will surely achieve the gem and jewellery exports target of US$ 75 billion from the current US$ 40 billion annually.”

Shri Subhash Desai said that the state government has given top priority to finalising the Jewellery Park project at the earliest and would consider the industry’s request to create a single window system for facilitating all permissions and completing all procedures by individual units. “The Navi Mumbai zone is developing very rapidly and the Park coming up in proximity to other key infra projects would contribute further to this process,” he stated.

Smt Rupa Dutta, Economic Adviser, Ministry of Commerce & Industry, said that the industry was a very important sector for the ministry as it generated jobs and also was a major exporter. She said that the ministry had provided full support to all schemes that would enable the MSME units to grow and attain world standards, and it would likewise offer all support for the development of the India Jewellery Park.

Earlier, welcoming the guests GJEPC Chairman Shri Pramod Kumar Agrawal said, “The gem & jewellery industry is thankful to the Govt. of Maharashtra under the leadership of Hon’ble Chief Minister as well as the Hon’ble Union Minister Commerce & Industry and Civil Aviation for all the support extended to set up India Jewellery Park, Mumbai. This project will provide effective support to jewellery manufacturers/traders who are interested to establish, expand or invest in the state of Maharashtra and initiate new business or strengthen their existing business. It is benchmarked with the best-in-class Jewellery Parks created in countries such as China, Turkey, Italy & Thailand. India Jewellery Park, Mumbai will contribute to the economic development of both Maharashtra and India by drawing in investment from across India and abroad.”

GJEPC Vice Chair Shri Colin Shah said that while the current location may seem remote, over the next few years, it would transform into a key hub for the region with the new airport, the expressway, the rail lines and other developments. The Park will be easily accessible and also offer housing, training and other facilities in close proximity, he added.

Shri Kirit Bhansali, Member CoA, GJEPC proposed the Vote of Thanks.