The conclave witnessed a series of informative Panel Discussions and speaker sessions discussing the Vision for 2025. GJEPC Chairman, Mr. Colin Shah addressed the audience at the conclave, followed by lamp lighting by Shri Shyam Jagannathan (I.A.S.), Zonal Development Commissioner, SEEPZ, Mumbai, Shri Kiran Mohan Mohadikar, Deputy Development Commissioner, Noida SEZ, Shri M K Anjanaiah, Deputy Development Commissioner, Falta EPZ & Mani Kanchan SEZ, Shri Bony Prasada Rao, Deputy Development Commissioner, Cochin SEZ, Shri Ashok Singh, Specified Officer, Surat SEZ, Shri Sabyasachi Ray ED, GJEPC
Panel 1: Exports Enhancement Strategy - USD 15 billion in next 3 years –
Panelist comprised of Mr. C.P.S Chauhan, IRS, Joint Development Commissioner, SEEPZ; Mr. Rohit Gupta, Managing Director, Agra Products Pvt. Ltd. (ACPL); Mr. Tejas Shah, CEO, Unique Designs Inc.; Mr. Ashish Shah, Managing Director, Gold Star Jewellery Pvt. Ltd. . The Discussion was Moderated Mr. Bobby Kothari, Director, Jewelex India.
The panel discussed the roadmap to increase the export target from $7bn to $15bn. It is estimated that the Indian gem and jewellery segment’s untapped potential is $30 billion.
India needs to concentrate on cutting and polishing high carat diamonds besides focusing on volumes. Investing in technology to improve quality and innovate in terms of design and creativity was another area to look into. Reposition of brand SEEPZ as well as SEZs through participation in India Pavilions; encouraging ecommerce directly will also boost growth. LGDs are another sunrise segment that seem to be a clear winner as they are ecofriendly, easy on the wallet, and margins are great in the supply chain. Collaborative efforts in manufacturing inside SEZs can be another enabler for growing exports.
The 2nd panel "Technology, Skilling & Branding – Manufacturing for Future & Promote Make in India SEZs", had prominent industry members as panelists, namely, Mr. Ankit Mehta, Founder & Director, Walking Tree; Professor Asim Tewari, Department of Mechanical Engg. IIT Bombay; Mr. Adil Kotwal, CEO, Creations Jewellery Mfg. Pvt. Ltd.; Dr. Parag K Vyas, Director & Founder, Grau Bar Design Studios; and Mr. Neville Tata (Moderator) Executive Director, Renaissance Global Ltd.
The discussion centered on the correlation between technology, branding and skilling. While technology, especially AI, will take the jewellery industry to the next level. But skilling and upskilling artisans is the backbone of the industry. Going forward, we will see a hybrid model of making jewellery. Once we deliver quality products, one can demand quality price and that leads to the birth a brand. There's no shortcut to establishing a brand. It requires investing in research, thinking out of the box to develop high design. Unless the design is innovative high technology will add no value to it.
“The mega CFC aims to provide support for designing and manufacturing of gem and jewellery products. It will enhance the existing quality, productivity, skill of manpower, domestic R&D, technological advancement and cost competitiveness”, said Colin Shah, Chairman – GJEPC
“As we celebrate the 75th year of Independence, I thank all stakeholders from our Gem & Jewellery who have come together and have helped us organise the first-ever SEZ – Gem & Jewellery Conclave today. I am hopeful that the conclave will help us to strategize to make India the preferred Gem & Jewellery destination and contribute significantly to the economy of our country”, said Suvanakar Sen, Convener, SEZ Sub-Committee – GJEPC.
Shri CPS Chauhan, IRS – Joint Development Commissioner, SEEPZ said, “We need to double Gems & Jewellery exports from SEZs in the next 3 years. Let’s find answers to all our questions on how to achieve this at the 1st SEZ Conclave being organised by GJEPC on 23rd August in Mumbai”.
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