An eight-member delegation from The Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) led by Chairman Pramod Kumar Agrawal is currently visiting China to meet various trade associations and strengthen ties with the industry there.

The delegation, comprising representatives of companies from the diamond, coloured gemstone and jewellery sectors in Surat, Jaipur and Mumbai, visited manufacturing units within the Panyu Manufacturing Zone yesterday. Discussions were held with the Guangzhou Panyu Jewellery Manufacturers Association, with the Chairman of the body providing an overview of the operations of the organisation and the zone.

Meanwhile, the Council has also set up a promotional stall at the 2nd China International Import Expo at Shanghai which was inaugurated by Chinese President, Mr Xi Jinping on November 5, 2019. The President also visited the India Pavilion and the GJEPC promotional stall within it at the expo.

The main objective of the show is to boost imports into China, and more than 90 countries have pavilions where they are exploring possibilities of enhancing their exports to the Chinese mainland.

On November 6, the Commerce Secretary, Dr Anup Wadhwan visited the Council’s booth at the expo. Yesterday, HE Indian Ambassador to China, Shri Vikram Misri spent time at the GJEPC's promotional stall and discussed issues facing the gem and jewellery trade with Council representatives there. It was explained to him that one of the major expectations of the Indian industry is to ensure a reduction in the duty on diamond and coloured gemstones.

The GJEPC delegation will be visiting the Expo on November 7-8, 2019.

Pic Cap: Commerce Secretary, Dr. Anup Wadhawan (right) seen at the GJEPC’s promotional booth at the show in Shanghai.