All India Gems and Jewellery Trade Federation (GJF) hosted its 8th annual general meeting recently at The ITC Grand Maratha Hotel in Andheri, Mumbai. It has been a constant endeavor of GJF to facilitate constant learning for the jewellery industry to retain their success and increase it by manifolds. This year, the meet consisted of launching a new benchmark in the gems and jewellery industry. Nirupa Bhatt, Managing Director, GIA (India & Middle East) presented the opening speech and invited on dais the first speaker of the day Haresh Soni, Chairman, GJF who along with Manish Jain, Vice- Chairman, GJF launched the logo of “Trustmark” – A combination of Star and Arrow which represents six aspects i.e. Environment safety, Customer trust, Human Resource management, Business leadership, Strategy and Risk management. “Trustmark will decide framework”, said Haresh Soni.%% The next topic of the discussion was ‘inflated gold imports’ where speaker Ashok Minawala explained various ways through which end consumers and jewellers across India will be benefited while the gold and jewellery industry will get a much needed boost. An estimated 25000 tonnes of gold is lying unproductive in the country. GJF estimates that if even 10% is mobilised, it will amply meet the yearly consumption of 900 tonnes of gold. “The irony i.e. gold which is an asset has now turned into a liability. Import of gold is creating an impact on CAD. GJF understands its responsibility and has taken the initiative to work closely with the Government. The objective is to bring gold which is lying ideal into motion” said Ashok Minawala, GJF board member. “It is necessary that we legitimise our business and GJF will try to meet the expectations of the people”, he concluded.