The GJEPC’s Gem Testing Laboratory (GTL) at Jaipur will soon commence work on a project to establish facilities for determining the origins of precious stones and carrying out other advanced tests. The Rs 5.5 crore project is being part financed by a grant from the Government of India under its Trade Infrastructure for Export Scheme (TIES).

Announcing this at the inauguration of the Jaipur Jewellery Show (JJS) in Jaipur this morning, GJEPC Chairman Pramod Kumar Agrawal said that the Council would also be contributing a share of the total outlay on the project.

It is learnt that once the upgradation project is completed, GTL will not only offer advanced facilities for testing the origins of rubies, sapphires and emeralds, but will also conduct pearl testing as well as conduct screening of diamond parcels to detect and distinguish synthetic (lab grown) diamonds from natural diamonds.

This is the first project in the gem and jewellery sector under TIES, a scheme launched last year by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India. Under TIES, up-gradation of infrastructure projects with overwhelming export linkages can be carried out by specific government recognised agencies. The government had stressed that the focus is not just to create infrastructure but to make sure it is professionally run and sustained.

The chairman also said that plans were underway to bring all Council run labs and labs of its subsidiaries under one common brand. Simultaneously, they will also all be upgraded and brought on par with other labs across the world.

He also announced that the hostel at IIGJ Jaipur is almost ready and will be inaugurated soon. It will accommodate a total 250 students of both genders.

Addressing the gathering comprising leading gemstone and jewellery manufacturers, Agrawal urged them to explore opportunities in Africa and Latin America both for sourcing raw materials and as new potential market. He offered to personally lead delegations to countries that were identified by the trade.

On the policy front, he emphasised that Council has been coordinating with the government on various issues – some changes to ease exports have already been issued and more notifications can be expected in the next few weeks. Referring specifically to the issue of IGST on reimports, he said that Council expected a positive outcome soon.

In conclusion, Agrawal praised the efforts taken by the JJS Committee in building up the show. He said that they were pioneers in bringing the show to its present venue, and with their persistent efforts, it now has over 825 booths, with more companies on the waiting list to participate.

Pic caption: GJEPC Chairman Pramod Kumar Agrawal speaking at the inauguration of JJS 2018