National News

GJEPC and Trade Opportunities seminar: fostering knowledge-sharing, collaboration, and global competitiveness

Published

2 years ago

April 12, 2025

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

Belgian Consul General H. E. Mr. Pierre Stverlynck Graces BDB Annual Day

Published

9 hours ago

October 19, 2026

JewelBuzz Spread The Buzz

Event marks 42 years of Incorporation and 16 years of Operations
Recently-appointed Consul-General’s first visit to the Bourse helps strengthen a century-old bond
Long service awards presented to outstanding employees

Bharat Diamond Bourse today marked 42 years of incorporation and 16 years since the commencement of operations at the BDB Complex in BKC with a special programme graced by H. E. Pierre Stverlynck – Consul General of Belgium in Mumbai as Chief Guest and a number of leading diamantaires.

The function was organised to celebrate the crucial roles played both by the visionaries who conceptualised the need for a centralised infrastructure to boost the diamond trade over four decades ago, and the employees who have run the daily operations in a highly efficient and professional manner.

In his Welcome Address, BDB Vice President, Mehul Shah explained the significance of celebrating twin milestones – 42 years of incorporation and 16 years of operations. He said:

“BDB began with a vision and is now the world’s largest operational bourse, and a symbol of India’s leadership in the diamond world and excellence in every aspect of operations.”

He added, “It is significant that the Consul General of Belgium is with us on this special occasion. Antwerp and Mumbai have a very close relationship, going back more than 100 years. Today the two cities have bonds based on trust, trade and friendship. We are committed to strengthening this bond over the next century as well.”

Congratulating the awardees he said that members may be the owners, but it is the staff who run the complex and have helped build it as the “best of the best” centres for diamonds. “Personal integrity combined with hi-tech surveillance have made BDB one of the safest places in the world,” he explained, and urged all present never to forget that “it is the soldiers who fight and win the wars.” Mr Shah offered compliments to all the awardees and congratulated Team BDB.

Speaking on the occasion, Anoop Mehta, President BDB, welcomed Mr Stverlynck who has recently assumed charge as Consul General of Belgium in Mumbai.

“We are sure that this will be the first of many visits to our Bourse,” he said, noting that the Consulate is the nearest neighbour of the complex.

“The BDB leadership has always enjoyed a very special relationship with the Belgian consulate,” he added, “built on the longstanding bonds between the diamond industry in our two countries.”

Mr Mehta said it was heartening that so many employees had remained loyal to the BDB for multiple years, and urged all gathered to reach out through their department heads to put forward suggestions for further changes and improvements

Mr Stverlynck, who was on his first visit to the Bourse after assuming charge as Consul General, said he was extremely impressed with the facilities available for exporters within the complex. Assuring the trade of cooperation and support, he said he was happy to be personally present to celebrate such a remarkable institution as BDB that has become a key pillar of the India diamond industry.

Congratulating the leadership for its role in steering the bourse, as well as those employees who had received long service awards, Mr. Stverlynck said:

“The consolidated knowledge and experience of so many from those at the top to a number of others who contributed in various ways, is an asset to the industry.”

Special long service awards were presented to employees who completed special milestones during the year. These included 30-year, 25-, 15-, 10- and 5-year service awards to a few employees.