With the Indian gem and jewellery exports witnessing a good growth and becoming one of the fastest-growing segments in the Indian economy, a workshop aptly entitled ‘Prospects and opportunities of gem and jewellery sector in AP’ was recently organised by the Federation of Andhra Pradesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FAPCCI) to boost the industry in the state.

The event spelled out a request to the state government to encourage more jewellers to participate in jewellery exports through recognitions like ‘Best Jewellers’ award in the state and a stronger infrastructure base with common testing labs, exclusive gems and jewellery parks and incubation facilities, upgradation programmes for artists. There was also a request for the government to exempt the value-added tax (VAT) in Andhra Pradesh on gem and jewellery exports. India’s gem and jewellery exports reached $16 billion during 2008-09.