International News
The 2nd SEZ Gem and Jewellery Conclave
Conclave provided valuable insights in technology, branding, exports, SEZ policy
The Second SEZ Gem and Jewellery Conclave held at Bharatratnam Mega CFC in SEEPZ, Mumbai, brought together influential stakeholders from across the gem and jewellery sector to deliberate on industry growth, innovation, and policy advancements.The conclave provided valuable insights into the latest industry trends in technology, branding, exports.
The conclave was inaugurated by Dr P Anbalagan, IAS, Principal Secretary, Industries Department, Government of Maharashtra. Present at the inauguration were Kirit Bhansali, Chairman, GJEPC, Saunak Parikh, Vice Chairman, GJEPC, Suvankar Sen, MD, Senco Gold & Diamonds, Sabyasachi Ray, ED, GJEPC, Colin Shah, Head of the Working Group, Bharat Ratnam Mega CFC and Adil Kotwal, Director – SEEPZ GJ Manufacturers Association.
Dr. P Anbalagan in his inaugural address said “The Union and state governments aim to grow India’s economy from USD 3 trillion to USD 30 trillion, requiring double-digit growth across sectors, with Maharashtra as a key driver. As the state with the highest FDI, Maharashtra targets a USD 1 trillion economy in 4-5 years, needing 13-14% annual growth. We are looking at the GJ sector as generator of employment and employment.The employment intensive GJ sector will be cornerstone of Maharashtra becoming a $1 trillion economy.The GJ sector in Maharashtra is contributing 47 per cent of India’s GJ exports.”
Track 1 – Technology included: Platinum Group Metal Recycling , Dr Debashish Bhattacharya, Technical Director of Covalence, India, Casting, Stamping and Tubing in Platinum, Dr. Peter Hofmann, Chairman of INDUTHERM, Germany and Rakesh Jangid, Technical Director, Lagor India, 3D Printing of Precious Metal for Commercial Use-Dr Andrea Friso, R&D Head, Legor Italy ,Technology in Diamond Testing, Jayant Kulkarni , Partner ,SGL, Challenges in Identification of Lab Grown Diamonds by Deepa Srinivasa, Chief Gemmologist – Research & Development – GSI, India
Track 2 – Branding included: Redefining Businesses by Sachin Jain, Educator, LÉCOLE School of Jewellery Arts , Dubai, Revitalizing Diamond Desire by Amit Pratihari, Managing Director, De Beers.
Track 3 – Investments included: Booster to G&J Manufacturing by Sabyasachi Ray, Executive Director, GJEPC ,Draft Report of Common SoP for SEZs by Nishant, Partner, ELP.
With key decision-makers in attendance, the conclave promises to be an influential platform for shaping the future of the sector.
International News
Panjshir emerald industry surges, demand drives record $6.1m in gemstone sales
For a country impoverished by years of war and burdened by international sanctions, the trade in precious minerals is a valuable resource, especially in the remote corner of northeastern Afghanistan.
The Panjshir Provincial Directorate of Mines in Afghanistan today announced record-breaking growth in its gemstone sector, driven by strong international buyer demand and increased regional extraction activities.
Following its 23rd successful public commercial auction of the year, cumulative emerald sales in Panjshir have reached nearly 400 million Afghanis ($6.12 million USD), marking a steep year-over-year increase in trade revenue. The latest auction saw close to 3,000 carats of high-grade emeralds awarded to competitive regional and international bidders.
Strong Market Fundamentals & Regional Economic Impact
The Panjshir gemstone sector continues to serve as a pivotal economic engine for the region:
- Workforce Expansion: Over 15,000 workers are currently employed across artisanal and small-scale operations throughout the Panjshir Valley.
- Uncapped Resource Potential: Provincial authorities have identified more than 2,000 prospective mining sites suitable for immediate modern development and investment.
- Macroeconomic Contribution: Boosted by mining rights auctions and natural resource commercialization, total state revenue saw a 22 percent year-on-year surge entering Q2 2026, according to World Bank metrics.
“Panjshir emeralds are globally recognized for their exceptional purity and cut quality, securing a premium valuation across international markets,” said Ghulam Mustafa Habibi, a prominent regional gem merchant.
Strategic Strategic Partnership & Infrastructure Opportunities
To further modernize extraction and capture downstream value, local leadership is actively courting foreign direct investment and technical partnerships. Recent regulatory agreements have attracted venture capital and technical stakeholders across Asia and the Middle East to develop Afghanistan’s broader mineral portfolio.
Strategic priorities for the sector include:
- In-Country Processing Infrastructure: Establishing a centralized processing and standardization hub in Kabul to refine raw gemstones prior to export.
- Modernization & Modern Equipment Deployment: Transitioning operations from traditional manual extraction to industrial-grade technology to maximize yield and operational safety.
- Global Market Integration: Developing direct supply pipelines to major international gem-cutting and retail hubs.
Panjshir emerald industry surges, demand drives record $6.1m in gemstone sales
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