GJEPC Chairman Kirit Bhansali highlights steady April–October export performance, seasonal October softness, policy-driven competitiveness, and the real context behind gold import trends, outlining a confident growth trajectory for India’s gem and jewellery sector.

The Gem and Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) and EXIM Bank recently conducted a collaborative study in Surat, India's Jewellery manufacturing powerhouse, to analyze the industry's challenges and devise strategies for export growth

After PM Narendra Modi’s pep talk about ‘Design in India’ and how India should be Number One in gems and jewellery, Indian exporters are all geared up to hit $60 billion worth of exports in the next 5 years. Given the current climate, this could be a tall order. There is no dearth for inspiration in this country that has had a longstanding heritage when it comes to craftsmanship. We have a strong foundation in jewellery manufacturing and the industry currently employs 4.5 million skilled and semi-skilled workers across India, but we are meeting only 10 per cent of the global demand. If our forte lies in jewellery making, why is India not playing to its strength? Where is the industry lacking and what should it be doing to be on top? Explores Vijetha Rangabashyam