The Gem and Jewellery Export Promotion Council of India today held a press conference at Intercontinental, Marine Drive, Mumbai to introduce the newly elected Chairman Vipul P Shah and Vice-Chairman Pankaj Parekh. The former vice-chairman Sanjay Kothari addressed the media while introducing the new office holders. %% The press conference proved to be the dais where the chairman and the vice-chairman threw light on key focus initiatives to be undertaken in their office tenure. %% While addressing the media for the first time ever as the chairman of GJEPC, Vipul Shah said, “The council will focus to penetrate new emerging markets through Buyer Seller Matching programmes or trade delegations in the region. To provide impetus to the diamond trade its pertinent to promote diamonds and boost consumer confidence for the category. Council will continue to promote India as the leading global gem and jewellery destination as well as further consolidate the domestic gem and jewellery industry. I hope to lead the council to achieve greater milestones and further the growth that the industry has achieved thus far.” %% Some of the key focus areas that the council will concentrate on are as following: $$ 1) Promotion of diamonds in India and China: It is a known fact that the diamond market is depicting a downtrend and in order to give impetus to the business the council is proposing a sustained marketing campaign that will address the need by India and other emerging consumer markets such as China. The campaign will help boost the consumer confidence and drive the urge to own diamonds amongst the Indian and Chinese consumers. $$ 2) Promote bilateral trade relations with various countries and markets for mutual cooperation: The council will host the Indo-Russia Jewellery Summit 2012 from 28th to 31st October, 2012 at Hyatt Regency Andheri where 15 select member companies will be participating. The council also plans to organise an Indo-Australian Jewellery Buyer Seller Meet in May 2013. The council will also participate at the Jewellery Arabia, Bahrain from 16th to 20th October 2012, Vincenzaoro Winter 2013, Italy from 19th to 24th January 2013 and 5th to 9th march 2013. The council is also planning to be a part of the proposed India Show at Dhaka from 3rd to 5th December 2012. The 6th edition of Signature 2013 has been scheduled at Bombay Convention & Exhibition Centre, Mumbai, from 22nd to 25th February 2013 with over 500 exhibitors across 1000 booths. $$ 3) Inclusive growth of the sector: Proposals have been submitted by the Council under the 12th five year Plan and approved by the Ministry of Commerce & Industry to include the establishment of a Convention Centre in Mumbai, a Common Facility Centre at Gujarat, Gem Bourse in Jaipur, Gem and Jewellery Park in Mumbai, Technology Up gradation in Gems and Jewellery Sector and a Gem & Jewellery Training Centre at Domjur, Kolkata. The total proposed outlay in 12th Plan (2012-17) is Rs. 1194.19 crores. $$ 4. Emphasis on Manufacturing Exports: In order to maintain consistency of Rough supply of Both Diamonds and Coloured gemstones, Council under the guidance of the Ministry will strive for cohesive trade policies and business friendly regulations. Modernisation of manufacturing units of both diamond and jewellery will also be initiated and implemented. %%