The International Gem & Jewellery Show (IGJS) Dubai is backed by India’s Department of Commerce and the Indian Embassy in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and will target buyers from the Middle East, China, Russia, the US, UK, Europe, Africa, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.
According to the GJEPC, the Middle East accounts for approximately 40 per cent of gem and jewellery exports from India.
Colin Shah, chairman GJEPC, said, “To cater to the pent-up demand and a call from exhibitors and buyers for a physical show as the pandemic recedes, GJEPC is organising the first ever IGJS in Dubai.”
He added, “A physical exhibition in Dubai this August will be an ideal way to connect with international clients from across the world, as key export markets such as the US, Hong Kong and the UAE have opened up for economic activities and are witnessing considerable demand for diamonds, gemstones and jewellery.”
Product sections include gold jewellery, diamond jewellery, silver jewellery, loose gemstones, and diamonds, with 150 booths available for exhibitors.
In December 2020, the IIJS Premiere show – which is usually held in Mumbai – was postponed from January 2021 to August 2021; a representative for the GJEPC confirmed to Jeweller that the Dubai show is not a replacement for IIJS Premiere.
Notably, Dubai will also host a new jewellery trade fair early next year.
Jewellery, Gem & Technology (JGT) Dubai, a three-day buying event, will be held at the Dubai World Trade Centre.
Scheduled for 22–24 February 2022, JGT Dubai is organised by Informa Markets – which produces the Jewellery & Gem World Hong Kong and Jewellery & Gem ASIA shows – and Italian Exhibition Group, which produces Vicenzaoro.
E-commerce initiative
Meanwhile, the GJEPC has inked a deal with eBay to create an exclusive jewellery storefront on the international e-commerce platform.
GJEPC members will be able to list products on the storefront in order to benefit from eBay’s 183 million active buyers.
Shah said, “The partnership brings immense opportunities and benefits to GJEPC members – especially to MSMEs [micro, small, and medium enterprises] – to reach out to a new segment of prospective customers.
“Demand for gems and jewellery is picking up in all major export markets, hence online sales play a key role in business growth.”
Vidmay Naini, country manager – eBay India, added, “We, at eBay in India, are convinced that Indian gems and jewellery sellers are well poised to scale their business and presence across the eBay marketplace globally. The partnership with GJEPC is a step forward in enabling them in this endeavour. Together with GJEPC we will educate, support and scale these sellers on the eBay marketplace.”
GJEPC members selling through the digital storefront will have access to promotions and marketing support, including special discounts including six months of free product listings for eBay US, UK and Australia, eBay’s seller protection policy, and market research and e-commerce insights.
The GJEPC is holding regular interactive webinars to assist members in understanding the new initiative and selling the eBay platform.
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