GJEPC inaugurated the first ever IIJS Virtual 2020 on 12th October in the presence of Shri Uddhav Thackeray Chief Minister of Maharashtra and Shri Piyush Goyal, Union Minister of Commerce & Industry and Railways along with Colin Shah, Chairman, GJEPC; Vipul Shah, Vice Chairman GJEPC, Shailesh Sangani, Convener, Exhibitions (National); Sabyasachi Ray, amongst others.
Speaking on the occasion, Uddhav Thackeray Chief Minister of Maharashtra said, “It is not just India the whole world is fighting against the pandemic. We have been forced to adapt to a new lifestyle – work from home. Initially we could not even think of going out of the house. But now, changing our lifestyle we have adapted to the new normal.”
“GJEPC has adapted well to the changing lifestyle. We all have to face ups and down in life, but we should continue living. If it was a normal period, we would have celebrated IIJS as a festival together by meeting in person.”
“Why I’m referring to it as a festival is that whenever we talk about jewellery and diamonds, we are reminded of the auspicious occasions in life. All of life’s milestones are celebrated with diamonds and jewellery.”
“In India, as we say “unity in diversity”, from Kashmir to Kanyakumari, there are numerous states, different languages, different traditions. Every state has a unique jewellery tradition in our country. Jewellery is part of Indian culture and I’m proud of it.”
“We are experts in diamonds. Diamond is just a stone, but when it is cut and polished it gets a unique sparkle. Analysing and understanding a diamond is not an easy thing, it requires special skills which we Indians have. Jewellery designing, trading and other aspects of the business are required, which has taken this industry to greater heights.”
“We want to make Maharashtra the number one trading centre for diamonds and jewellery not only in India, but the world. I’m inviting the industry to be more interactive so that we can accomplish this vision together. The Government of Maharashtra will do everything to take the jewellery trade to greater heights. We should also think about how to further enhance our designing institutes to develop them further.”
“We are already in the process of making a Jewellery Park in Mumbai. If the industry needs any help from the Maharashtra Government, we are ready to support it. But anything that we do, should provide employment for the people of Maharashtra.”
“Today, we are going to showcase our jewellery tradition to the whole world virtually. I congratulate GJEPC in leading the way. When you embrace change, that’s when you make progress.”
“For the development and progress of our country, I welcome you all and I wish all of you the very best. Let’s work together, to make the Indian gem and jewellery sector the number one in the world.”
Colin Shah, Chairman, GJEPC said, “I would like to thank our Hon’ble Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray for allowing export units of diamond and jewellery to begin their operations in Mumbai, when in the month of May everything was still under lockdown. This was a significant move for the gems and jewellery export operations to commence in Mumbai as the city houses Bharat Diamond Bourse and SEEPZ, two of India’s largest jewellery export designated zones.”
The IIJS Virtual 2020, has over 330 Exhibitors, 8800 registered Buyers, 5800 meetings have been booked and around 200 visitors registered from the US, UK, UAE, Qatar, Singapore, Bangladesh, Nepal, Oman, Pakistan, Hong Kong, Italy, Egypt, Belgium, Turkey, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Malaysia, Czech Republic, Copenhagen etc.