National News
GJEPC and Trade Opportunities seminar: fostering knowledge-sharing, collaboration, and global competitiveness
GJEPC successfully organized an insightful seminar titled “GJEPC and Trade Opportunities” for the gem and jewellery community of Zaveri Bazaar on April 11, 2025. The event was aimed at raising awareness about the Council’s various initiatives and support systems designed to boost the growth and global reach of the Indian gem and jewellery industry. The seminar drew a strong turnout, with more than 200 industry professionals in attendance, including exporters, traders, wholesalers, young entrepreneurs, and members of prominent trade bodies.
The seminar began with a welcome address by Khusboo Ranawat , Regional Chairperson , Western Region and GJEPC Regional Representative, who highlighted the Council’s ongoing efforts to empower MSMEs and exporters by providing market intelligence, financial assistance, and opportunities for international exposure. The speaker emphasized the importance of capacity building and collaboration within the sector to drive sustainable growth.
This was followed by a detailed presentation by GJEPC officials, which covered the Council’s various export facilitation services, upcoming international trade fairs and buyer-seller meets, financial support schemes, and strategic trade advantages available under agreements such as the India-UAE CEPA. The session was tailored to equip participants with practical knowledge to help them tap into global markets more effectively.
A panel discussion featuring seasoned exporters and trade consultants provided valuable insights into navigating international markets. Panelists discussed strategies for expanding into new regions, overcoming the challenges faced by small businesses, and embracing digital tools and branding to stay competitive in the evolving landscape of the jewellery trade.
The event also included an interactive Q&A session, where participants actively engaged with the speakers on topics like export registration, compliance processes, product certifications, and government funding schemes. The open dialogue fostered a spirit of learning and encouraged first-time exporters to explore new possibilities with greater confidence.
In a special felicitation ceremony, GJEPC honored three key trade bodies for their unwavering support and contribution to the growth of the industry. Mumbai Wholesale Gold Association, Jewellers Youth Forum, and Zaveri Bazaar Welfare Association were felicitated along with their respective teams for their role in strengthening the ecosystem and promoting unity among the trade community.
The seminar was extremely well-received by all attendees, who appreciated the depth of information shared and the opportunity to network with peers and industry experts. The event reinforced GJEPC’s commitment to serving as a guiding force for the Indian gem and jewellery sector by fostering knowledge-sharing, collaboration, and global competitiveness.
National News
AIJGF Proposes Regulated “Bullion Bank”, Proposal Presented Directly To Union Commerce and Industry Minister
Establishes A Centralized Financial Framework To Pool, Standardise, Settle, and Lease Domestic Gold
The Ministry of Commerce and Industry is officially reviewing a landmark proposal to establish a regulated “Bullion Bank” aimed at transforming India’s massive domestic gold reserves into an active economic asset.
The proposal was presented directly to Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal by a delegation from the All India Jewellers and Goldsmith Federation (AIJGF). In response, Minister Goyal has agreed to form a comprehensive consultation committee—comprising government representatives, jewellery industry stakeholders, bullion market experts, financial institutions, and market regulators—to thoroughly examine the framework.
Key Highlights of the Proposal:
- Activating Idle Wealth: Establishes a centralised financial framework to pool, standardise, settle, and lease domestic gold, significantly reducing India’s heavy reliance on expensive foreign imports.
- Tapping a $4 Trillion Market: Aims to mobilse the estimated 25,000 to 27,000 tonnes of gold held by Indian households, temples, and private institutions—a stockpile currently valued between $3.65 trillion and $4.3 trillion.
- Earning Interest on Gold: Transforms physical gold from a passive, non-yielding asset into an active, interest-earning investment, eliminating traditional locker storage fees for citizens.
- ETF Integration: Proposes allowing Gold Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) to lend 20–30% of their idle physical holdings back into the jewellery ecosystem under strict over-collateralised, insured, and daily marked-to-market safety protocols.
A Strategic Move for Economic Resilience
Currently, the vast majority of India’s gold wealth remains locked away and unproductive. By acting as a trusted intermediary, the proposed Bullion Bank will allow households and institutions to securely lend their gold back into the domestic jewellery ecosystem.
“This framework has the potential to permanently change how India manages its gold,” stated the AIJGF in their proposal. “By unlocking domestic reserves, we can stabilise the market, support local artisans, and strengthen the national economy.”
To ensure seamless execution and regulatory oversight, the AIJGF has also requested the creation of a dedicated inter-ministerial task force. This body would bring together the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Commerce, and the Ministry of Consumer Affairs to oversee the initiative’s roll-out.
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