India’s Gem and Jewelery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) has appointed a new chairman with Vipul Shah expected to take over the role in September.
The GJEPC was established by the Indian Government in 1966 and has operated with autonomy since 1998. The Council represents more than 8000 members and has a core focus of promoting India’s gem and jewelery industry to the wider international market.
Shah has served as GJEPC previously, initially leading the organization from 2012-2015. Shah is the former CEO of diamond manufacturing company Asian Star.
“I feel privileged and energized to return to the role of GJEPC chairman in these exciting times,” Shah said.
“There are tremendous opportunities for growth ahead of us. The landmark trade agreements signed with the UAE [CEPA] and Australia [ECTA] have provided competitive edge to the plain gold jewelery exporters in the UAE.
“In diamonds, I believe India must move up the value chain by focusing on larger, high-value goods, and at the same time we will continue to support generic diamond promotions.“
Shah continued by suggesting that silver jewelry would be another key focus for the GJEPC in the years to come, and highlighted the rising popularity of lab-created diamonds which will soon reach $US8 billion in annual exports from India.
Shah will be joined by Kirit Bhansali, of Smital Gems, who will serve as the GJEPC’s vice-chairman. He is expected to become the chairman in September of 2024.
“We have put the turbulent two years behind us, and as we emerge into the new era post the pandemic, GJEPC, through its continued leadership, will help take this industry into a new phase of growth, dynamics, and prosperity,” he said .
Bhansali is the current chairman of Indian Institute Of Gems & Jewelery (IIGJ) and India Jewelery Park Mumbai (IJPM).
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