IIJS 2007 Opens amid much deserved applause

The 24th edition of the IIJS started on August 30, 2007. The show inaugurated in the presence of industry stalwarts, GJEPC Members and the media fraternity. Shri Ashwani Kumar, Minister of State for Industry, Government of India was chief guest of the inaugural function while Mr. Krirkkrai Jirapaet, Commerce Minister of Republic of Thailand presided over the ceremony as the guest of honour. Others who shared the dais were Vasant Mehta, Sanjay Kothari and Arvind Pradhan.

Speaking at the inauguration function Ashwani Kumar said, “Gems and jewellery is one of the most important sectors, contributing to India's export basket. One of the biggest effects of economic liberalisation and globalisation has been the radical change that has come about in the gems & jewellery sector, retail in particular. The industry provides employment to nearly 30 lakh people and the need of the hour is to fill the gap of jewellery designing and manufacturing specialists required in the sector for its further growth. I heartily congratulate GJEPC's efforts in making the IIJS a premium international show for the last 24 years.”

He acknowledged the need for an appropriate convention centre and superior training facilities in India and assured greater attention to these details. He also agreed to certain inadequacies in the domestic jewellery retailing like non-pervasive hallmarking and certification, “We are trying to establish mechanisms that will eliminate these inadequacies,” he said. According to him exhibitions like IIJS, assist industry's growth and international networking as well. Besides, advanced technology and excellent procurement policies promote this development.

Sanjay Kothari greeted the guests, exhibitors and visitors warmly to the show and wished a fruitful visit. While addressing the press he briefed on the training facilities present in India, “We have tied up with India's premier institutes like NID and NIFT for training purpose. In addition, most of the manufacturers have international designers training their local designers while council also keeps organising training seminars and workshops.”
IIJS this year flaunts 720 domestic and 118 international exhibitors. Several international pavilions organised by the Antwerp World Diamond Centre, The Italian Trade Commission, The Thai Gem and Jewellery Traders, Pakistan, and Ukraine house tremendous networking and business opportunities. The Traditional Jewellery Pavilion remains the centre of attraction as it displays brightest and the best that India offers.
All the days of the show will have numerous seminar sessions on topics like luxury retailing, online selling, diamond updates and professionalizing the family business amongst many others. Sanjiv Khandelwal MD Polygon.net India discussed the subject 'selling online worldwide' on the day one. An informative seminar that witnessed attentive audience, Mr Khandelwal viewed tremendous potential in the online industry and substantial facts backed his beliefs. He spoke on spectrum of topics ranging from changing trends in the online industry, new online promotion techniques, and consumer relationship management, “25% of total online sales in the US comprises of jewellery which implies exceptional potential in the online selling industry,” he said.