A delegation from Oman visited GJEPC in Mumbai on 6 May 2026 to discuss investment, logistics and trade opportunities for the gem and jewellery sector. The delegation included H.E. Issa Saleh Al Shibani, Ambassador of Oman to India; H.E. Ibtisam Al Farooji, Undersecretary for Investment Promotion, MOCIIP; H.E. Pankaj Khimji, Advisor for Foreign Trade & International Cooperation, MOCIIP and Oman’s G20 Sherpa among other officials.

The delegates were welcomed by  Shaunak Parikh, Vice Chairman, GJEPC;  Ashish Borda, Convenor – PMBD, GJEPC;  Mital Doshi, Convenor – BITC, GJEPC;  Mansukh Kothari, Convenor – Events, GJEPC;  Mehul Shah, Vice President, Bharat Diamond Bourse;  Sabyasachi Ray, Executive Director, GJEPC; and  Sridhar Iyengar, Director – International Events, GJEPC along with jewellery exporters.

During the interaction, H.E. Pankaj Khimji highlighted Oman’s strategic position as a gateway to the GCC and global markets, supported by free zones, logistics infrastructure, investment facilitation and duty-free access under the India-Oman CEPA expected to come into effect from 1 June 2026. He noted that 97% of Indian goods would enter Oman duty-free under the agreement. He also outlined the development of a dedicated bonded warehouse and high-value jewellery depository facility at Muscat Airport, enabling direct and secure transfer of precious cargo from aircraft to storage within the airport free zone.

Discussions focused on opportunities in diamond processing, jewellery manufacturing, lab-grown diamonds, secure storage facilities and exports to the US market through Oman. GJEPC and BDB representatives also invited Oman to engage with India’s gem and jewellery industry through roadshows and participation at major trade exhibitions such as IIJS Premiere. Both sides expressed interest in strengthening bilateral cooperation through future industry visits and investment partnerships.