Mumbai is the nerve centre of every business in India and the gems and jewellery industry forms a very important part of it. It is again that time of the year where domestic as well as international gems and jewellery industry makes a bee line to one of the most important jewellery events i.e. Indian International Jewellery Show. This year, into its 35th edition, IIJS has begun on a positive note and is hoping to witness vigorous business during the next five days. The show is being held from 9th to 13th August at Bombay Exhibition and Convention Centre in Mumbai.

The show was inaugurated amongst the presence of who’s who of the Indian as well as international gems and jewellery industry. The guest of honour for the inauguration ceremony was CIBJO President Gaetano Cavalieri. Other guests present were Pramod Agrawal, Colin Shah, Shailesh Sangani, Sabyasachi Ray and Nirupa Bhatt.

The chief guest for the ceremony Suresh Prabhu, Union Minister of Commerce and Industry could not be present for the ceremony due to some sudden commitments. However, he shared his message to the industry through an AV message. He said, “As you all know, the Government is setting up a Domestic Gold Council. It will have 12 industry members. This council will represent all the jewellers of India who will be the Electoral College. They will form different interest groups and elect those who will sit in the council. The council will provide domestic support for exports. The industry needs to work towards making gold as a commodity that can be exported worldwide. In India, every village has a jeweller who makes hand-made, customised jewellery and this jewellery has huge potential in the world market. The Government and the GJEPC are working towards encouraging such artisans.”

In his opening address to the gathering, Pramod Agrawal said, “The Council is thankful for the full-fledged government support towards gems and jewellery industry. Honourable minister Suresh Prabbhuji has taken it upon himself to see to it that the industry gets much needed support and becomes world leaders in every segment of the industry. The Council and the Government is working towards formulating a strategy to give a much needed boost to the artisans and jewellers who are from villages and make handmade, customised jewellery. We have to give a platform to the jewellery craft and craftsmen who come from the hinterlands. Having Mr Cavalieri as a chief guest today is an honour. The global jewellery industry is in a transitional phase and we are looking forward to grow business along with Italy. We are looking forward to a positive show. This show is one of the busiest shows in the world and it’s a pleasure to see it growing from mere 25 booths to 24000 booths.”

Gaetano Cavalieri during his speech said, “It's a privilege to be here. CIBJO is the world jewellery confederation that supports jewellery business world-wide. We all are part of the same industry. Here, jewellery, colour stone, and diamonds - all are flourishing. Now is the time to go ahead hand in hand and grow together. India is one of the most important gems and jewellery countries. I want to extend my organisation’s full support to the Indian industry."

During the inauguration, the Council launched IIGJ’s special coffee table book – Pride of India and the exhibition directory.