GJEPC kick started the first ever IIJS Virtual on 12 October 2020 in the presence of Shri Piyush Goyal, Union Minister of Commerce & Industry and Railways; Shri Uddhav Thackeray Chief Minister of Maharashtra along with Colin Shah, Chairman, GJEPC; Vipul Shah, Vice Chairman GJEPC, Shailesh Sangani, Convener, Exhibitions (National); Sabyasachi Ray, amongst others.
Commenting on the launch of IIJS Virtual, Piyush Goyal Union Minister of Commerce & Industry and Railways said, “What a delight to launch the first edition of India International Jewellery Show Virtual 2020. I am indeed proud of the Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC), who have shown resilience in these testing times when the world is suffering the adverse effects of the pandemic, to showcase intrinsically and beautifully created pieces of art through the medium of technology.”
“In fact, this imbibing of technology to reach out to customers across the world shows the resilience of Indian business, Indian industry, and the commitment to serve customers, particularly with the festival season around the corner, both in India as we celebrate Navratri, Dussera and Diwali; and across the world, where Christmas and the New Year are going to be times when we erupt in joy and bring back the mood in the world. I am also delighted that the best of technology is being used, and that we have been able to make this whole virtual experience so real that it almost feels like we are touching that piece of jewellery in the virtual exhibition.”
“There’s a famous proverb: “A gem cannot be polished without friction, nor a man perfected without trials.” I think the gem and jewellery industry has once again proved to the world that we are full of our ability to face any adversity and emerge a winner, and in every trial, India will demonstrate to the world that we are a trusted partner, a trusted supplier, someone that you can engage with and enjoy the benefits and fruits of the spirit of success and fighting adversity that every Indian businessman is intrinsically born with.”
“My compliments to the GJEPC, my best wishes to all the exhibitors and a warm welcome to all the visitors of this digital platform from across the world. Happy shopping, happy festivals!”
“May God be with you and your families. Take care. Enjoy the shopping experience, it will certainly be a new experiment, which will expand trade in the years to come.”
Colin Shah, Chairman, GJEPC said, “The fight against the Covid-19 is not yet over, but the industry has been able to bounce back even during this unprecedented crisis that we have been facing since last 6 months. I am thankful to the Government, especially the Ministry of Commerce and Industry for taking timely relief measures which has helped the industry to a large extent. GJEPC is constantly pursuing with the government for reforms such as E Commerce, Gold Monetisation, SEZ policy, rough sales at SNZ etc requisite to propel growth in the trade.”
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.