A high level delegation from The Gem & Jewellery Export Council comprising Chairman Praveenshankar Pandya, Vice Chairman Russell Mehta, Western Regional Chairman Ashok Gajera, Diamond Panel Convener Sanjay Shah, CoA members Anil Virani, Kirit Bhansali and BDB President Anoop Mehta discussed the problems of industry with Hon’ble Finance Minister of Maharashtra, Shri Sudhir Mungantiwar at Hotel Sofitel in BKC on November 30. 

 The discussion was interactive and fruitful as the minister promised to look into the matter. Some of the important issues that were discussed during the meet were as follows.

The first problem related to VAT refund as exporters are incurring additional costs incurred while paying 1 per cent  VAT on gold or diamonds for exports upfront and refunds are taking a long time. The procedures followed in other states may be made applicable in Maharashtra so that exporters in the state remain competitive. 

Then there was problem of tax issues of SNZ as diamond trading at SNZ should be exempted from Octroi and VAT to give impetus to such rough diamond trading in Mumbai. 

Another important issue was that of International Exhibition-cum-Convention Centre and the State government was requested to collaborate with the Council to build a convention centre in Mumbai where international shows such as IIJS and Signature can be organized. 

 Single window exhibition permissions from Government were requested. System for all clearances related to Trade Shows. The delegation also wanted clarifications regarding Octroi circulars.