India to boost gem exports

An Indian business delegation is on a visit to Saudi Arabia to seek ways to boost export of gems, diamonds, stones and jewellery to the kingdom.

The delegation of the Gem and Jewellery Export Council (GJEPC) is promoting the forthcoming International Jewellery Show Signature (IIJS) to be held in Goa from February 29 to March 3 next year.

Rajeev Shahare, deputy chief of the Indian mission in Riyadh, said, "India's gems and jewellery trade with Saudi Arabia is miniscule.

It is high time we forged closer ties with the country which is one of the largest consumers of diamond and gold jewellery."

Recently, a high-level delegation from Mumbai's Indo-Arab Chamber of Commerce and Industries visited the kingdom.

"As trade and investment policies are constantly getting liberalised and emerging ambiguities regarding foreign direct investment and special economic zone policies clarified, opportunities for Saudi stakeholders are increasing in India," Sushil Jiwarajka, chairman of Indo-Arab Chamber, said.