Gem and jewellery industry belonged to Mumbai as Mumbai accounted for 72 per cent of the annual $37 billion of exports, said Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. Mr Fadnavis was speaking after inaugurating IIJS Signature and IGJME 2024 – the twin exhibitions organised by the Gem and Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) – at the Bombay Exhibition Centre in Mumbai recently. 

“Prime Minister Narendra Modi has set a target of $75 billion for gem and jewellery exports by 2030. This will be possible with the pivotal role played by the apex body, the GJEPC, which has been instrumental in making India one of the biggest international players in the global gem and jewellery industry. The Maharashtra government and the GJEPC have collaborated for the new India Gem and Jewellery Park in Navi Mumbai, and this initiative will also help achieve the export target,” Mr Fadnavais added.

Speaking on the occasion, Maharashtra’s Industries Minister Uday Samant urged the GJEPC to develop indigenous gem and jewellery industry in rural India. 

Thanking Mr Fadnavis for his support and vision, GJEPC Chairman Vipul Shah said: “The jewellery park brings with it several government-backed advantages. It is a one-stop shop with single-window clearance for government approvals under the Maitri Policy, making processes smoother and faster. These initiatives significantly ease the path for businesses, ensuring efficiency and reducing operational costs, ultimately fostering a thriving environment within the park.” 

DGEP Director General Ms. Reshma Lakhani, De Beers Executive Vice-President Paul Rowley, Reliance Jewels CEO Sunil Nayak, GJEPC Vice-Chairman Kirit Bhansali, GJEPC Convener (National Exhibitions) Nirav Bhansali, GJEPC Executive Director Sabyasachi Ray and other dignitaries of international and Indian gem and jewellery industry were present on the occasion.