Gitanjali group is on a growth overdrive. After acquiring the diamond jewellery retail chain, Nakshatra, Gitanjali group is looking to acquire more chains

in the US, China and West Asia.

“These markets are our focus areas at this point of time,” said Mehul Choksi, managing director, Gitanjali group. “We are in talks to acquire jewellery chains in these countries. Once we acquire these chains, it will be easier for us to export jewellery to these markets.”

Choksi is also talking to several companies for tie-ups to distribute and strengthen the brand. Choksi, who is known to have taken the Indian jewellery brand overseas, also envisions a special economic zone (SEZ) for luxury brands in India. “There are excellent possibilities in India,” Choksi said. “Bringing luxury to India in a big way is going to be slow. Infrastructure here needs to be first put in place. India has cheap skilled labourers. We are better than China in many ways, but it can all happen only if we have the infrastructure. A SEZ would be great not just for the luxury brands setting up base here but also the economy.”

Choksi, who is also co-chairman of Ficci Lifestyle Forum, said, “We have approached the government and are waiting for approval.” A SEZ would help in better training of labourers to work on brands, he said, adding that India lacks in packaging and branding strengths. A SEZ would help in promoting and strengthening brands, he said.

The Gitanjali group was set up in 1966. Gili Jewellery, a part of the Gitanjali group and an 18-carat diamond studded brand, was launched in 1994, ushering in the birth of branded jewellery in India. Gili has since carved a niche for itself by offering high quality, fine finished, machine-made, branded, diamond-studded, designer jewellery for the masses.