GJEPC’s SEZ Conclave Spotlights Technology, Branding & Investment to Boost G&J Exports
The Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) successfully organized the 2nd SEZ Gem & Jewellery Conclave 2025 at Bharat Ratnam Mega CFC, SEEPZ on 12th March, reinforcing its commitment to advancing Technology, Branding, and Investment in India’s gem and jewellery sector. Held under the theme ‘SEZ: The Future of Indian Exports,’ the conclave brought together industry leaders and experts to explore strategies for boosting exports and attracting investments
Inauguration and Key Attendees
The Conclave was inaugurated by Dr. P. Anbalagan, IAS, Secretary, Industries Department, Government of Maharashtra, in the presence of Shri Kirit Bhansali, Chairman, GJEPC; Shri Shaunak Parikh, Vice Chairman, GJEPC; Shri Suvankar Sen, Former Convener, SEZ, GJEPC & MD, Senco Gold & Diamonds; Shri Colin Shah, Head of the Working Group, Bharat Ratnam Mega CFC; Shri Sabyasachi Ray, Executive Director, GJEPC; and Shri Adil Kotwal, Core Working Group, Bharat Ratnam Mega CFC
Maharashtra’s Economic Growth and G&J Industry Contribution
Dr. P. Anbalagan, IAS, Secretary, Industries Department, Government of Maharashtra, said, “As the leading recipient of FDI, Maharashtra is on track to achieve a USD 1 trillion economy. The employment-intensive gem and jewellery industry is a key pillar of Maharashtra’s economic growth, contributing 47% of India’s jewellery exports, amounting to USD 15 billion in 2023 via JNPT. With the right policies and industry collaboration, this sector holds the potential to reach USD 70 billion in overall gem and Jewellery exports in the next 4-5 years, further cementing Maharashtra’s position as a global leader in jewellery manufacturing and exports.”
GJEPC Chairman’s Vision for SEZs
In his welcome address, Shri Kirit Bhansali, Chairman, GJEPC, emphasized the importance of technology, branding, and investment in positioning India as a global jewellery powerhouse. He highlighted Bharat Ratnam Mega CFC as a game-changer that empowers manufacturers with cutting-edge technological solutions.
Shri Kirit Bhansali, Chairman, GJEPC said, “India’s gem and jewellery industry holds an immense export potential of US$70 billion, with nearly US$35 billion yet to be tapped. SEZs can play a pivotal role in unlocking this growth by leveraging their advanced manufacturing capabilities, supportive ecosystem, and skilled workforce. Currently contributing around US$8 billion—20% of the sector’s exports—SEZs have the potential to double their share if they swiftly adapt to the rapid transformations in the global market.”
Session on Technology: Making the G&J Sector Future Ready
The first session, “Technology: Making the G&J Sector Future Ready,” brought together experts to discuss cutting-edge advancements shaping the industry. Dr. Debashish Bhattacharya, Technical Director of Covalence, India, shed light on Platinum Group Metal Recycling, emphasizing sustainable practices in jewellery manufacturing.
Dr. Peter Hofmann, Chairman of INDUTHERM, Germany, and Mr. Rakesh Jangid, Technical Director, Lagor India, explored casting, stamping, and tubing techniques in platinum, highlighting innovations that enhance production efficiency.
Dr. Andrea Friso, R&D Head, Legor Italy, presented insights on 3D printing of precious metals for commercial applications, demonstrating its potential to revolutionize jewellery design and manufacturing.
The session also covered advancements in diamond testing, with Mr. Jayant Kulkarni, Partner, SGL, outlining the latest technologies ensuring diamond authenticity.
Ms. Deepa Srinivasa, Chief Gemmologist – Research & Development, GSI, India, concluded the session by addressing challenges in identifying lab-grown diamonds, stressing the need for advanced detection methods to maintain consumer trust.
Session on Branding: Redefining Businesses
The subsequent sessions delved into Branding and Investment, essential pillars for the growth of India’s gem and jewellery industry.
Mr. Sachin Jain, Educator at LÉCOLE School of Jewellery Arts in Dubai, led the session on Branding: Redefining Businesses, emphasizing the importance of brand positioning and consumer engagement in the evolving global market.
This was followed by Mr. Amit Pratihari, MD, De Beers, who presented INDRA – Revitalizing Diamond Desire, shedding light on strategies to enhance the appeal of natural diamonds in an increasingly competitive landscape.
Session on Exports Development via EODB: SEZ Vision 2030
The session on ‘Exports Development via EODB: SEZ Vision 2030’ featured a presentation on the Draft Report of Common SoP for SEZs by Mr. Nishant, Partner, ELP, followed by a speech by Mr. Surender Malik, JDC, Noida SEZ, who shared insights on SEZ regulations, ease of doing business, and export potential.
Conclusion and Industry Commitment
The 2nd SEZ Gem & Jewellery Conclave 2025 set the stage for a collaborative industry approach, focusing on leveraging SEZs for export growth, embracing new-age technologies, and strengthening India’s global brand positioning. With continued support from the Government of India and Maharashtra, GJEPC is committed to driving innovation, investment, and sustainable growth in the sector.
About The Gem and Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC):
The Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC), set up by the Ministry of Commerce, Government of India (GoI) in 1966, is one of several Export Promotion Councils (EPCs) launched by the Indian Government, to boost the country’s export thrust, when India’s post-Independence economy began making forays in the international markets. Since 1998, the GJEPC has been granted autonomous status. The GJEPC is the apex body of the gems & jewellery industry and today represents 10600+ members in the sector. With headquarters in Mumbai, GJEPC has Regional Offices in New Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai, Surat and Jaipur, all of which are major centres for the industry. It thus has a wide reach and is able to have a closer interaction with members to serve them in a direct and more meaningful manner. Over the past decades, GJEPC has emerged as one of the most active EPCs and has continuously strived to both expand its reach and depth in its promotional activities as well as widen and increase services to its members.
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