CIBJO CONGRESS 2023 Commences In
Jaipur
Gem & Jewellry industry
pledges to enhance Trust, Transperancy, Sustainability, Traceability &
Resposible Sourcing thru'self-regulation
The World Jewellery Confederation (CIBJO) held its
annual Congress for the first time in Jaipur at Fairmont, Jaipur. The Congress is
being organised from 3rd to 5th October. Pre-Congress meetings were held on 1st
and 2nd October. The 2023 Congress is being hosted by the Gem & Jewellery
Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) and the National Gem & Jewellery Council
of India (NGJCI) supported by Ministry of Commerce and Industry and MSME
Ministry, Govt. of India.
The inaugural session was
graced by Shri Piyush Goyal, Union Minister of Commerce & Industry,
Government of India, (shared a virtual message); Mr. Gaetano Cavalieri, President,
CIBJO; Mr. Vipul Shah, Chairman, GJEPC; Mr. Pramod Kumar Agarwal, Vice
President, India, CIBJO and Chairman, NGJCI; Mr. R. Arulanandan, Director,
Department of Commerce, Govt. of India; Ms. Feriel Zerouki, President, World
Diamond Council (WDC); Mr. Yoram Dvash, President, World Federation of Diamond
Bourses (WFDB); Mr. Damien Cody,
President, International Colored Gemstone Association (ICA).
CIBJO Congresses serve as
the official gathering place for the World Jewellery Confederation’s Assembly
of Delegates, and are also the venue for the annual meetings of CIBJO’s
sectoral commissions, where amendments can be introduced to the organisation’s
definitive directories of international industry standards for diamonds,
coloured stones, pearls, gem labs, precious metals, coral and responsible
sourcing, known as the Blue Books.
Shri Piyush Goyal, Union Minister of Commerce & Industry, Government
of India, said, “CIBJO is an event where gems of the
sparkling world unite. In the spirit of Bharat's ancient tradition Athithi Devo
Bhavo, I request you to enjoy hospitality of the Pink City while conducting
business engagements. This event marks a historic moment as it is the first
time that CIBJO Congress is being held on Indian soil. The CIBJO Congress
taking place in Jaipur is more than just a location. Hosting the CIBJO Congress
here is a testimony to the tremendous potential that India holds not only as a
market but as a global manufacturing hub. The G20 summit signifies India's
emergence as a global leader. Jaipur is a symbol of the vibrant spirit of
artisans and rich history of gems & jewellery industry, which Jaipur represents.
The industry has the power and promise to realise the goal of local goes
global. The gem & jewellery sector has a key player to India's economy
contributing significantly to India's merchandising exports annually and
employing nearly 5 million people. Hon. Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi's
vision is to make India No. 1 in the gem & jewellery global business with
Make in India products as well as focussing on the design aspects. India is a
destination for jewellery as well as for creativity, ideas and progress. India
has always been known as the land of gems & jewels - intricate workmanship
and sheer artistry of our jewellery creations is unparalleled. India's legacy
in this industry dates back to centuries as continues to evolve embracing modern
trends and technology while honouring our traditional roots. Our lab grown
industry is rising and championing sustainability at every step of the way.
Surat Diamond Bourse, the world's largest building, will become the hub of all
diamond trading activity. As we move forward, let us explore the possibility
for collaboration and sustainable practices and pave the way for a brighter
future for gem & jewellery industry. Together we can ensure that CIBJO
Congress marks the beginning of a new era of prosperity and inclusivity for the
global jewellery and gemstone community. I hope this event will give you an
opportunity to engage and expand. May this event be the spark that ignites a
brilliant future for all of us.”
Mr. Gaetano Cavalieri, President, CIBJO, said
in his welcome address, “CIBJO is the oldest international jewellery
association in the world and will celebrate 100 years in Year 2026. CIBJO
Congress is being held again after almost 4 years (2019 CIBJO Congress at
Bahrain) and the world and industry has changed considerably. The experience of
visiting India is overwhelming as India is a country which excites all the
senses. The pandemic was an unimaginable yet transformative event; but the
trade has now adapted to the new circumstances showing its inherent resilience.
Business models of fine jewellery players are evolving rapidly. G7 countries,
which accounted for half of all jewellery sales, will be introducing new norms
and standards with respect to traceability, trust and transparency. CIBJO is a trusted
organisation, which protects interests of members. It prescribes policy
framework to enable and empower industry to put in place tools to operate
within law to remain as transparent, honest, sustainable and responsible. We
shall discuss and review all matters of international relevance for the trade.
However, of 17 sustainable goals of the UN - Partnership is the most important
one.”
Mr. Vipul Shah, Chairman, GJEPC, said, “Jaipur is a fitting
location for CIBJO Congress as it is a living, breathing testament to the craft
and artistry that our industry possesses. As a global leader, India continues
to shape the gem and jewellery landscape, serving as both a beacon of
time-honoured craftsmanship and a hub for innovation. India is the only beacon
of hope as far as jewellery demand goes. Befitting its leadership position in
processing of diamonds and gemstones like emerald and tanzanite, India adheres
to ethical sourcing practices as well as contributes to the development of industry
standards. The Kimberley Process Source protocol for rough diamonds which
started based on demand from consumers,
is going through a reform cycle and we are committed to support such
reform. Consumer’s confidence should be protected at any cost. So, our Government
is also discussing with G7 countries the new measures for segregation of
diamonds that they are demanding from the trade based on current geopolitical
situation. The 2023 CIBJO Congress will also address the pressing issues and
opportunities that define our industry.”
Mr. Pramod Kumar Agarwal, Vice President, India, CIBJO and Chairman,
NGJCI, said, “We are glad that more than 135 overseas
delegates, including representatives of some of the top global jewellery brands
are attending the CIBJO Congress. A few of them must have come to Jaipur for
the first time. Today, we estimate that our industry employs around 2 lakh
skilled individuals in and around Jaipur, carrying on a tradition of enamelling
and gem-cutting that has stood the test of time. The city of Jaipur is playing
a very important role in Coloured Gemstones and Jewellery. There are two Gems
& Jewellery Special Economic Zones, one Domestic Tariff Zone of Gems &
Jewellery, a world class training institute, IIGJ, a Gem Certification
Laboratory and Exhibition and Convention Centre, all located are at one place. Jewellers
Association, Jaipur and GJEPC will be developing the largest gem bourse in the
world in Jaipur, India. The delegates at CIBJO Congress can exchange the views
with each other and explore the possibility of future business. CIBJO is
actively working on Sustainable Development Goals, it is in support of Supply
Chain Traceability and a policy of Accurate Product Disclosure, which is need
of the hour too.”
Mr. R. Arulanandan, the Director of the Department of Commerce,
Government of India, said, “CIBJO is one the oldest gem &
jewellery organisations in the world. Legend has it that the founder king of
Jaipur Sawai Jaisingh invited artisans from all over world to set up gem &
jewellery workshops adding a historical significance to the CIBJO Congress
being held here. India is committed to furthering gem & jewellery trade and
the Foreign Trade Policy has a separate section for this sector. India holds an
important position in global supply chain network. India has taken early initiatives such as creation
of many new harmonised code systems to identify different gem & jewellery
industry segments leading to correct classification and valuation. It is good
to see GJEPC and CIBJO work together for enhancing trust, traceability and
transparency.”
Ms. Feriel Zerouki, President, WDC, said, “India has
been the heart of the global gem & jewellery business. India continues to
play an increasingly central role in the global supply chain. India is now much
more than traditional focus on cutting and polishing centre. India is now
emerging as a rapidly growing global hub and consumer centre. It is always
exciting to be in India where the passion, experience and expertise in the gem
& jewellery business is growing constantly. Our business is cyclical and
eventually the cycle rebounds and we shall experience upswing. We need to be
prepared and ready to capture future opportunities. We need to think long term
consumer interests and expectations. Traceability, Responsible sourcing and
Sustainability are the key mantras. India has made progress in these areas.
GJEPC has been spearheading fruitful discussions and advocating key
perspectives to boost consumer confidence. We thank GJEPC for being unwavering
in its support for developing G7 solutions framework in an effective practical
and accessible manner.”
Mr. Yoram Dvash, President, WFDB, said, “The World Federation
of Diamond Bourses is closely linked to the gem & jewellery industry. As economies
are struggling and the US and China are facing challenging times, we are
advocating Sustainability Responsibility and Transparency. Industry faces
external and internal challenges. De Beers recognised the challenges faced by natural
diamond industry and as key stakeholder, it has decided to invest $20 mn in
marketing programs to enhance demand in the forthcoming festival season. CIBJO
will discuss radical steps to boost the demand for natural diamonds. The WFDB
along with GJEPC and CIBJO Congress will support the objectives of the G7 and
create framework for self-regulation in the industry.”
Mr. Damien Cody, President, ICA, said, “The world’s gemstone
industry has been in existence for thousands of years and it will continue to
endure. The potential for growth in China and India is phenomenal and enormous.
Gem & jewellery trade is trying to win customers back in the context of
geopolitical and economic pressures. The demand at the top end of market is
growing as seen in auctions. Impact of synthetics has grown and though
disruptive, it has a place in the market. The marketing of synthetics needs to
be controlled. The consumer needs to have clear unambiguous messages with full
disclosures and disclaimers. The opposite will impact trust. Consumers are
demanding more in terms of environment and sustainability. Complete
transparency is impossible in gemstones but members are evolving and embracing
continuous enhancements. Artisans and craftsmen communities should not feel the
heat and impact of rapid changes. The wonderful vibrant stories of artisanal
communities need to be celebrated across the world.”
About CIBJO
The World Jewellery
Confederation (CIBJO) covers the entire jewellery, gemstone and precious metals
sectors – vertically, from mine to marketplace, and horizontally within each of
the component parts in the various production, manufacturing and trading
centres. Its members are not individuals, but rather representative
associations or commercial bodies. They include national and international
trade organisations from more than 45 countries around the world and many of
the international jewellery sector’s leading corporations and service
providers. The Confederation is also the only organisation in the international
diamond, gemstone and jewellery sectors to have received official consultative
status with the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) of the United Nations.
This enables it to advance programmes and goals of the UN within the industry,
serving as a technical expert, adviser and consultant to governments and the UN
Secretariat. It additionally is a member of the UN Global Compact and is
committed to the fulfilment of the Sustainable Development Goals.
About The
Gem and Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC)
The
Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC), set up by the Ministry of
Commerce, Government of India (GoI) in 1966, is one of several Export Promotion
Councils (EPCs) launched by the Indian Government, to boost the country’s
export thrust, when India’s post-Independence economy began making forays in
the international markets. Since 1998, the GJEPC has been granted autonomous
status. The GJEPC is the apex body of the gems & jewellery industry and
today represents 9000 members in the sector. With headquarters in Mumbai,
GJEPC has Regional Offices in New Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai, Surat and Jaipur,
all of which are major centres for the industry. It thus has a wide reach and
is able to have a closer interaction with members to serve them in a direct and
more meaningful manner. Over the past decades, GJEPC has emerged as one of the
most active EPCs and has continuously strived to both expand its reach and
depth in its promotional activities as well as widen and increase services to
its members.
Facebook: www.facebook.com/GJEPC
Instagram: www.instagram.com/gjepcindia
Youtube: www.youtube.com/gjepcindia
Twitter: www.twitter.com/GJEPCIndia
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