In its strongest ever pariticipation, the India pavilion consisted of 55 exhibitors across all segments of the gems and jewellery industry covering loose stones and jewellery. The high profile participation was enhanced by a number of activities which had visitors enthralled.

It was not just another pavilion at yet another show. The India participation at Baselworld 2011 was planned as a 360 degree, well rounded participation from start to finish. This year efforts were stepped up as the Government of India had allowed The Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council’s pavilion at Baselworld the use of the nomenclature “The India Show“, a rare honour indeed. This year, the India pavilion had a highest number of participants to date – 55 companies covering loose diamonds, coloured gemstones and a range of fabulous jewellery.

The Minister of Commerce & Industry, Anand Sharma attended the inaugural function of the show, again a first for any Indian minister.

Addressing the media at the show, Union Minister Sharma said, “Gems and jewellery forms an integral part of Indian tradition. A legacy passed from one generation to another. Today the Gem & Jewellery industry is a significant contributor to the steady growth of the Indian economy. The Government this year has entrusted the GJEPC with the task of organising the India Show at Basel World 2011 to not just promote Indian jewellery but to showcase India’s untapped trading potential at this global platform.“

The Minister held extensive meetings with high level players and delegations at the show. He addressed a meeting of the Swiss watch industry including representatives of Rolex, Raymond Weil, Blancpain, Chopard, Tissot, Tag Heuer, to name a few. At the meeting he invited them to invest and set up manufacturing base in India and also to retail their brands in India. Sharma also met Indian Diamantaires based in Antwerp urging them to establish their base in India, thus strengthening the move towards the government’s goal of making India the Global Jewellery Hub. He assured them that he would focus on the Trade and Policy issues that impeded them from taking this step.

The GJEPC this year organised a special gallery in Hall 2, showcasing the products of all companies in the India pavilion in Hall 6. Hall 2 is a visitors hub while Hall 6 where the pavilion is located is a little away so this move worked well to provide a glimpse of what buyers would see and to attract them to visit he actual pavilion.

On the evening of the first day a extravaganza comprising a fashion show, and cultural dance and music programmes was held. It had audiences enthralled. But what was more, a participants at the show were able to avail of some exciting entertainment organised bythe GJEPC every evening. Fashion shows and cultural programme were alternately held through the days of the fair.

At yet another level, a special restaurant serving Indian cuisine introduced visitors to some tongue tickling delights from India.

The GJEPC also launched its new International Corporate Campaign at the show. Woven around the though that India is the “art and soul“ of jewellery, it emphasises that India is today a leading design hub, not merely manufacturing centre.

Rajiv Jain, Chairman, GJEPC, said “India Gems & Jewellery exports are expected to grow at a whopping 35% in 2011.“ He added „“The GJEPC feels pride and a sense of accomplishment. With our participation at Baselworld, the Council aimed at increasing the trade intensity towards India. With the support of the Government of India and specially Minister Commerce and Industry Anand Sharma, GJEPC today is a step closer to creating Brand India and establishing India as the global trading hub.”