GEM and Jewellery Export Promotion Council plans to open offices abroad. It is in the process of opening one in Dubai, followed by New York and Hong Kong ­ the three major export destinations for the industry.

GJEPC is seeking the approval of the government authorities in Dubai and India for opening the new office. “Once these formalities are over GJEPC will be able to open its first overseas office in a couple of months. The office will help mostly the small and midsized gem and jewellery exporters who cannot have an office of their own in that country. Currently, the contribution of small exporters to the overall shipment is quite low,“ said Rajiv Jain, chairman of GJEPC.

While most of the large export houses have their offices in Dubai, for small exporters the GJEPC office will work as a hub for growing their business in the region. After the successful establishment of Dubai office, GJEPC would also look at having similar offices in Hong Kong and New York.

UAE is the biggest importer of gem and jewellery from India, followed by Hong Kong and the US.

India shipped $12891 million worth gem and jewellery to UAE in 2009-10 accounting to 43 per cent of the total exports. The country sent $6590 million worth goods to Hong Kong, which made up to 22 per cent and $4113 million valued goods to the US which constituted 13 per cent of total exports.

The move is expected to grow the exported substantially in the coming years. “China had earlier opened offices for its export businesses in many countries and this has boosted their shipments,“ said Jain.