Smt. Smriti Zubin Irani Commends Indian Women Exporters During Her Visit to IJEX Dubai
22nd November 2024
Smt. Smriti Zubin Irani, Former Union Minister, visited the India Jewellery Exposition Centre (IJEX) in Dubai today, where she engaged with women exporters from India and women jewellery professionals based in Dubai. Her visit highlighted the remarkable contributions of women in the jewellery industry and the pivotal role of IJEX, an initiative of GJEPC, in boosting exports and expanding global reach for Indian exporters
Redefining the Narrative Around Women in the Jewellery Sector
During her address, Smt. Irani emphasized the need to redefine the narrative around women in the jewellery sector. “While the industry often romanticizes the relationship between women and jewellery, it’s time to acknowledge their substantial business contributions. Women are not just consumers or designers—they are leaders, entrepreneurs, and innovators driving significant revenue across various verticals,” she remarked.
Women’s Critical Role in Global Trade and Economy
She further stated that the collective turnover and impact generated by women in the jewellery industry would reveal staggering figures, underscoring their critical role in global trade and the economy. From crafting exquisite designs to managing operations and building global brands, women bring creativity, consumer insight, and operational excellence to the table, enabling them to excel in this evolving market.
Commending Indian Craftsmanship and MSME Initiatives
Interacting with Indian exporters at IJEX, Smt. Irani lauded the showcase of Indian craftsmanship, emphasizing its ability to cater to diverse market preferences with a dynamic inventory of designs. She commended the Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) leadership for establishing IJEX, calling it an exceptional platform for MSMEs and young entrepreneurs in the gem and jewellery industry to connect with global markets and expand their horizons.
Praising Indian Jewellery Sector’s Innovation and Dedication
“I’m bedazzled by the expertise, merchandising strength, and humility with which such a momentous trade is transacted,” she added, praising the Indian jewellery sector’s dedication and innovation.
About IJEX:
The Indian Jewellery Exposition Centre (IJEX), located in Dubai, serves as a year-round sourcing hub for Indian jewellery exporters, facilitating connections with international buyers. Operated by GJEPC, IJEX enables exporters to showcase their inventory, establish long-term partnerships, and cater to the evolving demands of the global jewellery market.
Strategic Initiative for Boosting Jewellery Exports
As a strategic initiative, IJEX plays a pivotal role in boosting India’s jewellery exports by providing MSMEs and emerging entrepreneurs a global platform to promote Indian craftsmanship and meet diverse buyer requirements. This platform has significantly contributed to enhancing India’s footprint in the international jewellery trade.
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.
GJEPC’s Wide Reach and Legacy of Excellence
Since 1998, the GJEPC has been granted autonomous status. The GJEPC is the apex body of the gems & jewellery industry and today represents 10,300+ 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.
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.
