Shri Sunil Barthwal, Commerce Secretary, Department of Commerce visited IIJS Premiere on 6th August at JWCC and NESCO, where he engaged in discussions with delegations from several countries as well as trade members. The Secretary met with more than 150 international delegates attending IIJS Premiere 2023 with the aim of addressing trade challenges, exploring collaborative opportunities, and paving the way for enhanced exports. A few of the countries represented were Turkey, Iran, Nigeria, Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, UAE, Kuwait, Japan and Saudi Arabia.
The meeting over lunch with the Council’s CoA touched upon issues such as Export Data Processing and Monitoring System (EDPMS), Duty Drawback, Duty Rationalisation with neighbouring countries, Skill Development, Lab-grown Diamonds, Trade Shows and more.
Speaking to Solitaire International exclusively, Shri Sunil Barthwal said, “IIJS is one of the largest exhibitions of gems and jewellery in the world, and we can take pride in what we are doing. This is a very important sector for the Government because it is highly labour-intensive. It generates a huge amount of creativity among our youth and it is linked to not only the people who are cutting and polishing, but also designing jewellery. So I think this is one of the most versatile industries and it’s very important for us. As Government, we’re looking at the whole value chain of gems & jewellery, right from mining to the final selling. In particular, we’re looking to develop the studded diamond jewellery segment which is at the higher value end.”
