Soon Bengal’s Jewellery will get the Geographical Identification (GI) tag named as “Calcutta Jewellery”

 

Merchants’ Chamber of Commerce & Industry organised a Special Session on ‘Gems & Jewellery Sector – Opportunities, Challenges & Way Forward’’ on 26 July 2024 at the MCCI Conference Hall. Dr. Mou Sen, Joint Director of MSME, Directorate of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, GoWB was the Chief Guest of the Session.

Shri Prakash Chandra Pincha, Former Regional Chairman, ER, Gems & Jewellery Export Promotion Council, Shri Ashok Bengani, President, Ankurhati Gems & Jewellery Manufacturers Welfare Association, Shri Arvind Soni, Director, Mahabir Danwar Jewellers and Shri Vineet Agarwal, Founder, BlueHorse Software also addressed the Session.

While welcoming the guests, Shri Siddhartha Sawansukha, Chairman, Council on Gems & Jewellery, MCCI mentioned that West Bengal has been a significant player in gems & jewellery sector, particularly known for its skilled craftsmanship, artistic designs, and diverse range of jewellery offerings. He suggested the government to provide platforms for local jewellers to showcase their products, participate in exhibitions, and access national and international markets can expand their reach and boost sales. “Encouraging and supporting artisan clusters in West Bengal can help preserve traditional craftsmanship, promote local talent, and create a niche for authentic handcrafted jewellery in the market” – said Shri Sawansukha. He further viewed that fostering design innovation and creativity, collaborations with designers, institutes, and industry experts can set West Bengal apart in the gems and jewellery sector.

Dr. Mou Sen, Joint Director of MSME, Directorate of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, GoWB informed that the Government is working with GJEPC for the Geographical Identification (GI) tag named as “Calcutta Jewellery” for West Bengal jewellery and soon they would get it. They have filed and hearing is going on for GI tag. She identified skill training as one area where government needs to work upon. She also stressed upon the need for branding for jewellery manufacturers. She further informed that Government would soon inaugurate Midnapore Gold Hub soon in August this year. The Government is keen to sign MOU with GJEPC in this regard.

The Government has initiated State level Export Facilitation Centre where manufacturers can avail the guidance for export. Also the government has started implementing Software matrix with IIFT Kolkata for identification of possible product market for jewellery manufacturers.

Shri Prakash Chandra Pincha, Former Regional Chairman, Eastern Region, Gems & Jewellery Export Promotion Council highlighted that India with 4.5% share in global exports of gem and Jewellery products ranks at 6th Position and this share is expected to grow to 7% in the coming years. Gem and Jewellery exports to all top 10 export destinations have recorded a negative growth except UAE and Switzerland during April 2023 – March 2024 as compared to April 2022 – March 2023. He showed that there were 9% growth in exports of plain gold jewellery in Eastern Region from April 2023 – March 2024.  India’s export potential in G&J sector is US$72 billion and the untapped Export Potential is US$35 billion.

“USA China deteriorating relations, we may take advantage of atleast 25% of the exports value especially of jewellery from China plus one policy” – said Shri Pincha. He proposed that the State Government could collaborate with GJEPC and identify few sub-sectors under this sector to focus on.

Shri Ashok Bengani, President, Ankurhati Gems & Jewellery Manufacturers Welfare Association mentioned that Eastern part of India especially West Bengal has plenty of skill workforce. While speaking on the initiatives of the Government he said that in the Ankurhati Gems & Jewellery Park, 3700 artisans are working and the government is working dedicatedly for the growth of the artisans. He pointed out that Ankurhati is the first jewellery Park in India.

Shri Arvind Soni, Director, Mahabir Danwar Jewellers highlighted on the labour issues for sustainable growth in this sector. He suggested for skill development in this sector which can help in boosting the state’s economy and creating employment opportunities.

Shri Vineet Agarwal, Founder, BlueHorse Software highlighted on how to adopt technology in Jewellery sector.

The Session ended with the closing remarks proposed by Shri Siddhartha Sawansukha, Chairman, Council on Gems & Jewellery, MCCI.