"One of the indications is our export basket of gem and jewelry that totals $27 billion, which has grown from $22 billion last year. Despite an increasing demand for gems and jewelry made and designed in India, our exports are a mere $6 million to Saudi Arabia. But the figure reflects our direct exports, while the Kingdom is one of the countries getting large import of Indian gems and jewelry via Dubai," Haresh Zaveri, convener of India International Jewellery Show (IIJS) 2010, which is scheduled in Mumbai from Aug. 19-23, told Arab News. He added that an Indian jewelry week is being scheduled in Mumbai from Aug. 15-19, just before the start of the show. The week will be staged like a fashion show for the first time.

Zaveri, who heads a three-member team of IIJS, which includes Ramesh Vora, GJEPC's resident coordinator for the Middle East based in Dubai, said India's gem and jewelry exports to the UAE stood around $200 million. Today, the Middle East-Gulf region, CIS countries, the United States, Europe and other Asian countries are being targeted for increasing the country's exports.

He added that GJEPC also invited countries to explore areas of cooperation in supply of rough diamonds and rough colored stones as well as offered cooperation in jewelry manufacturing. "Our manufacturers are looking for collaboration and joint ventures for expanding trade on the one hand and also for offering training to interested Saudis on the other," he added.

The GJEPC runs a number of institutes that provide training in all aspects of manufacture and design, in Delhi, Mumbai, Surat and Jaipur.

"We invite Saudis to take advantage of these training programs that are being conducted to ensure that the Indian industry achieves the highest levels of technical excellence. Expanding its role and taking on the onus of improving skill for the industry, GJEPC has entered into memorandums of understanding with the Gemological Institute of America and also with the western Indian state of Gujarat to set up and run such institutes. The GJEPC also runs its own Indian Institute of Gem and Jewelry in Mumbai.

The GJEPC's flagship event, its 27th will feature a business-to-business show with 800 companies putting up 1,700 stands for five days. There will be international pavilions from Turkey, Italy, Thailand, Belgium and the UAE. Country pavilions, networking events, education seminars and show features will be among the attractions.

Zaveri said the council was placing emphasis on value-added jewelry through new initiatives like IIJS Signature, Goa, which was held for the second time in February 2009. The exclusive show represents the best India has to offer in design, craftsmanship and quality.