ALL BUSINESS AT IIJS SIGNATURE 2020

Rise in gold prices or geopolitical tensions did not play a spoil sport at IIJS Signature this year. though footfall was relatively lower, visitors who came in were serious buyers reports Indian Jeweller

The 13th edition of IIJS Signature and the 7th edition of India Gem & Jewellery Machinery Expo (IGJME) organised by the Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) gave a head start to the 2020 buying season. The events held from 1316 February 2020 at the Bombay Exhibition Centre, Goregaon, Mumbai, attracted 15,000+ visitors (12,000 of whom were pre-registered visitors) from over 325 cities and towns pan India and more than 55 countries globally to visit 700+ exhibitors across 1,300 booths, spanning an area of over 45,000 sq. mts.

Several new elements such as the Startup Zone (Hall 6), which promoted Emerging Designers & Women Entrepreneurs, and the Crafts Pavilion (to promote artisans and craftsmen) were welcomed by the exhibitors and buyers. GJEPC also concurrently presented the first-ever Business Knowledge Forum, The Artisan Awards and Design Inspirations to provide insight, intelligence and perspectives to members of the industry.

“IIJS Signature has received a good response with over 700 exhibitors occupying 1,300 booths and nearly 12,000 pre-registered visitors,” said GJEPC Chairman Pramod Kumar Agrawal in his inaugural address.

Agrawal listed out some of the projects initiated by the GJEPC, with support from the Ministry of Commerce and the Ministry of Finance, including the setting up of common facility centres (CFCs) and design institutes, as well as the plans for Jewellery Parks, SNZs, a Gem Bourse and Model Workshops, which were at various stages of development.